Blagojevich, five others indicted

“A terrible day in Illinois history”

Calling it a “terrible day in Illinois history,” Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan said the indictment of former Governor Rod Blagojevich by the U.S. Attorney’s Office “serves to confirm the public’s long-standing distrust” of Blagojevich and his administration and that “it underscores the culture of corruption that has afflicted our state for far too long.”

In a released statement by Madigan, she stated that “While this is a terrible day in Illinois history, it is also a moment in which we can recognize an opportunity for real reform. Today provides us a chance — not just to bring to justice former Governor Blagojevich — but also to move forward by putting into place changes that will enable state government to establish a true sense of accountability and restore the public’s trust. I am thankful for the extraordinary work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the legislature and the executive branch to enact positive changes that end this dismal chapter in our state’s history.”

Blagojevich was indicted on 16 federal corruption charges of racketeering, fraud and extortion. Others indicted were Blagojevich’s brother, Robert, fundraiser Christopher Kelly, Alonzo “Lon” Monk, a former chief of staff to Blagojevich; John Harris, Blagojevich’s chief of staff; who was arrested on charges the same day as Gov. Blagojevich; and William Cellini.

Blagojevich was also accused of a “Pay to Play” deal with the Senate seat left vacant by President Barack Obama