Former Illinois Governor Blagojevich found guilty of lying to FBI

WASHINGTON - Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was found guilty on Wednesday and convicted on one count of lying to the FBI, as jurors were deadlocked on the 23 other counts against him, prompting the judge to declare a mistrial on those charges.

Blagojevich has been accused of trying to sell the Senate seat formerly held by President Barack Obama.

Blagojevich showed no emotion as the verdict was read, neither smiling nor grimacing. But afterward, he cast the outcome as a victory and vowed to appeal the one guilty verdict.

“I want the people of Illinois to know I did not lie to the FBI. I told the truth from the very beginning. This is a persecution,” FOX News quoted Blagojevich, as saying.

After Judge James B. Zagel said he plans to call a mistrial on the remaining counts, federal prosecutors said they would retry Blagojevich “as quickly as possible.”

Zagel set a hearing for August 26 to decide the manner and timing of the retrial. He also said Blagojevich’s bond will stay the same.

Blagojevich faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to 250,000 dollars for lying to agents investigating the corruption allegations. (ANI)