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Judge Reaches Blagojevich Verdict: Guilty on One Count

by Jordan Yerman | August 17, 2010 at 01:42 pm

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Judge Reaches Verdict in Blagojevich Trial: Guilty of Making False Statements to the FBI

After 14 days of jury deliberation, US District Judge James Zagel read the verdict in the Rod Blagojevich corruption trial. Out of 24 charges, Blagojevich was found guilty of just one count: making false statements to the FBI.

The Blagojevich corruption trial hinged around allegations that Blagojevich used his position as Governor of Illinois to extort and grant favors to other political players. The jury deadlocked on the other 23 counts. Prosecutor Reid Schar immediately announced his intention to see a retrial.

Throughout the day, those involved in the trial were told to remain within a half hour's journey of the courthouse.

Blagojevich adjusted his tie and held his wife, Patti's hand as he arrived at the courthouse. Stepping off the elevator, he asked spectators to "say a prayer for us." His brother, Robert, arrived a few minutes later, as did U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald.

The alleged crimes of Blagojevich, who was elected in 2002 on a pledge to reform the chronic ethical stench of Springfield, were brazen even by the often low bar of Illinois politics.