Patti Blagojevich Blasts Judge's Decision Not to Reduce Former Governor's Sentence

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Published on August 10 2016 4:41 pm
Last Updated on August 10 2016 4:41 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

Former Illinois first lady Patti Blagojevich says she finds a federal judge's decision to uphold her husband's 14-year prison sentence "unusually cruel and heartless and unfair."

Patti Blagojevich spoke to reporters at Chicago federal court Tuesday afternoon after the judge's resentencing of former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich on corruption charges. Patti Blagojevich said she's "dumbfounded and flabbergasted' at US District Judge James Zagel's "unwillingness to bestow even the smallest amount of leniency or mercy or kindness."

She went on to praise the couple's daughters for making statements in court in support of their father. Patti Blagojevich said despite what their daughters said "the judge clearly made up his mind before (the hearing) even started."

The former governor was originally sentenced in 2011 following his conviction for trying to exchange an appointment to President Barack Obama's old US Senate seat for campaign cash. An appeals court later struck down five of his 18 convictions and ordered he be resentenced.