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Subscribe to RSSThe former Illinois governor is beginning his 14-year sentence on corruption charges in a federal prison in Colorado. NBC's Brian Williams reports.
It wasn't immediately clear where Rod Blagojevich's car was headed when it passed up the entrance to the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Englewood more than once.
Blagojevich had gotten off a plane to Denver from Chicago, swarmed by more reporters, on his way to begin serving his 14-year sentence. He got into a black SUV outside the airport and traveled toward the prison.
Attorney Aaron Goldstein later confirmed they initially got lost on the way to the facility and then decided to get lunch.
See video, read more about Blagojevich at NBCChicago.com
After some searching they ended up at Freddy's steak burgers, a fast-food joint where Blagojevich would have his final meal as a free man. He posed for a few photos at the restaurant, and one woman said, "You're the guy from 'The Apprentice.'"
Just after 6 a.m., Blagojevich left his Ravenswood Manor home and his family. "Saying goodbye is the hardest thing I have ever had to do," he told reporters as he got into a car leaving for O'Hare.
"I'm leaving with a heavy heart, a clear conscience," he said. "I have high, high hopes for the future. Among the hopes is now you guys can go home and our neighbors can get their neighborhood back. I'll see you guys when I see ya."
PhotoBlog: Blago courts attention, flies away for 14 years
Before he boarded an American Airlines flight, he continued to shake hands and sign autographs.
NBC News
Former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich aboard a plane heading to Colorado to serve his prison sentence.
As he exited the plane in Denver, he told NBCChicago's Phil Rogers it breaks his heart to think he let down the state of Illinois.
"I'm grateful beyond words for the support and giving me the chance to serve," he said.
More content from msnbc.com and NBC News
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They got lost, geez, give the guy a break! After all, he's not the one that was driving and it's not like he knows his way around the town. Besides, he has till 12 midnight to present himself. Plenty of time to grab a burger don't ya think? I don't know about you all, but people in Illinois love this guy and so do I. In my opinion, Rahm Emmanuel is the one that should be going to prison instead of Blago. Just saying.....
I agree Illinois is a very corrupt place to live. Im glad I am outta there. Its bad when thats all your known for as a state.
You oughta live in Corrupticut...I mean Connecticut ;-)
His time is federal time. He'll have to serve a minimum of 80% of his 14 year sentence.
He still refuses to accept the fact that he did something wrong ! He should stay in prison till he admits what he did ..than start his sentence ..
Talk about preferential treatment! He gets to choose where he'll serve his sentence. He flies business class to get there WITHOUT HANDCUFFS and gets to stop and have a burger on the way! The average citizen would have left the courthouse in chains immediately upon sentencing and gone straight to Joliet or some other s***hole prison. What's wrong with this picture?
Actually, most inmate's at low and minimum gets to self surrender. When you self surrender, you get yourself to prison any way you want. You just have to be there before midnight.
He's a crook and he got what he deserved. He still doesn't think this whole going to jail thing is real. And acting like he's campaigning before they close the door on him -- HE'S A SICK PUPPY.
Anyone who thinks Barak Obama didnt know about his senate seat being sold is an idiot.
I hope Obama pardons him too.
Now only if we can get all in congress to follow. God i wish for a day like that.
It's obvious that his lawyer is also an idiot.
He will only have to serve less than a year before he gets out. President Obama will pardon him on his way out the door. No worries, politicians take care of their own.
Can I stop and get lunch before I have to report to prison, oh yeah probably not.
This guy couldn't fight himself out of a wet paper bag. To think some state actually paid him to represent them.
Damn shame, Rod. A couple more sessions as governor you might have tried for the presidential primaries.
Our governor in California, Jerry Brown, is wading in corrupt politicians. If they started nailing these gluttons
you'd have so many politicians in with you everybody would have to stand up to sleep.
LOL! Cry me a river mofo! Blago [e.g., corrupt snake] has been LOST for 20+ years.
He's leaving with "a clear conscience"? Wow. He still doesn't get it.
If it is a Club "Fed" then maybe he will be asked politely, " Sir, would you like the throbbing kielbasa of love or the tube steak this evening?"
Like many politicians, his ego corrupted his purpose, thereby corrupting himself. This is a guy who is in love with himself. I am sure his cell mate will relish the fresh meat in the cell tonight! Sweet dreams!!!!
14 years? That's it? Hopefully his wife will wisen up, change the locks and move on with her life ....
i don't find it too hard to believe he got lost, he's an idiot. it didn't say anything about a free lunch like the misleading article stated, it said it was his last lunch as a free man. get it right msn.
He was not the one driving!!! ya goofs!!1
It's just a shame that more of these corrupt politicians don't get their come uppance. Until we finally get term limits and campaign finance reform they will only get worse. Super pac money came out of nowhere this election it was against the law before, what the hell is going on, do we have no one one the side of "right" anymore. America is in terrible need of political reform! Putting this fool behind bars is a good first step.
To be fair to the corrupt schmuck, the entrance to the FCI Englewood is kinda easy to miss. Especially with the construction going on there.
I think 14 years is over kill. There are murders that get less
He will be able to visit with his fellow democrat politicians jimmy dimora and frank russo!
Who says the rich are not more free than others? If any ordinary joe even had the freedom to get 'lost' on the way to serve his sentence, there would be a manhunt or charges filed. "I decided to stop and get lunch" would not cut it. DAMN THE RICH!