Judge denies Blagojevich's bid to lighten 14-year sentence
CHICAGO (AP) — A federal judge on Tuesday upheld Rod Blagojevich's 14-year prison sentence on corruption counts, setting aside pleas for leniency by the former Illinois governor's wife and daughters during his resentencing hearing.
Blagojevich, known as Inmate No. 40892-424 since he went to prison in 2012, appeared on a courtroom video in prison-issued clothing, his once dark hair now white.
The Democrat appeared on a courtroom screen through a video from a Colorado prison, his first public appearance since entering prison.
In her two-page letter, she described the pain of Blagojevich's absence and how he has missed the graduations and piano recitals of the couple's two children.
The Chicago-based 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals last year tossed convictions tied to Blagojevich's bid to win a White House appointment for appointing someone to Obama's Senate seat.
The three-judge panel upheld his convictions on allegations that he tried to swap the Senate appointment for campaign cash, finding that trading one job appointment for another does not break the law.
After the appellate court's finding, Blagojevich appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court to toss his remaining convictions, including one for trying to extort a children's hospital for a campaign contribution and lying to the FBI.
The defense has asked for a five-year term, citing the dropped counts and Blagojevich's exemplary behavior in prison.