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| Governor Free from Custody |
Dressed in a blue running jacket and black sweatpants, Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich appeared in court Tuesday for an initial hearing on a complaint filed by U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald.
The governor was arrested Tuesday morning after a federal investigation that stems back almost six years was made public.
U.S. District Judge Nan Nolan said "Good afternoon, governor" in greeting Blagojevich at the afternoon bond hearing. Blagojevich was quiet during the brief hearing.
He was released on a signature bond that specifies that he'll forfeit $4,500 if he doesn't appear in court. Blagojevich also was ordered to relinquish his passport and his firearm owner's identification card. A court date is set for Jan. 14, though Blagojevich does not have to attend.
Blagojevich left the federal courthouse in Chicago using an underground exit and didn't speak to reporters. His attorney, Sheldon Sorosky, says Blagojevich was extremely upset by the arrest. Sorosky says he doesn’t know of any immediate plans for the governor to resign and added that Blagojevich doesn't believe he has done anything wrong and asks Illinoisans to have faith in him.
Blagojevich is accused of working with others to shake down contractors and hospital administrators for campaign contributions. He's also accused of conspiring to sell or trade President-elect Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat to the highest bidder. His chief of staff John Harris, also arrested Tuesday, was also released on bond.
(Illinois Radio Network) |
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| 12 09 08 by Newsroom |
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