Jury deliberates over Blagojevich for 8th day

August 07, 2010|Associated Press

CHICAGO — Jurors at the corruption trial of Rod Blagojevich, the former Illinois governor, ended their eighth day of deliberations early yesterday and went home for a weekend break.

A court official sent a one-sentence statement around 1:30 p.m. yesterday that jurors had left. It gave no indication about whether they may be close to reaching a verdict.

They are expected back Monday morning for their ninth day of deliberations.

Blagojevich faces 24 counts, including charges of trying to sell or trade an appointment to President Obama’s vacated Senate seat. His codefendant, brother Robert Blagojevich, faces four. Both have pleaded not guilty.

If the jury convicts Rod Blagojevich, authorities could seize his home, valued by the county assessor at around $700,000.

Any decision to confiscate the property would be made only if jurors convict him of racketeering. Jurors might then have to determine the financial penalties Blagojevich would pay.

Prosecutors claim Blagojevich illegally obtained at least $438,000. They list his home, a condo in Washington, and several bank accounts as property that could be seized.

The twice-elected governor never moved to the official governor’s mansion in Springfield, choosing to remain in Chicago.

“The house is the center of their lives,’’ family spokesman Glenn Selig said. “With their lives upside down, the home brings the family comfort, security and insulation from the outside world.’’

His own lawyers say Blagojevich is broke.

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