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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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Obamy will pardon him before he spills his guts about where all the bodies are.
I doubt it, He was trying to sell President Obamas old seat for a place in his Administration. I don't think President Obama will reflect too kindly on that...
Some violent criminals/abusers don't even get 14 years.....maybe it's time to set an example with those sentences. Doubt his sentence is going to deter political shenanigans from continuing. Let's be real! I'm not saying he doesn't deserve to serve some time, but this is excessive. I read that he is not eligible for parole for 12 years.
hjmchi
No wonder WE have crooked Politicians... They are encouraged by the attitude of "HE didn't do anything that bad, to drserve that much time.... and... ALL Politicians are crooked... WE the PEOPLE are the Constitutional Government... Obviously, if all Politicians are crooks, WE have failed to do our JOB as Government...
I hate to say it but the wife and kids will live off of a pension paid for by the State.
It's about time OUR government set laws in motion that prohibits any politician or elected official (or their family) from receiving ANY benefits after the POLITICAN OR ELECTED OFFICIAL WAS FOUND GUILTY OF ANY FELONY!
Maybe (maybe) this will stop the madness!!! (or not)
Actually, when Rod got close to the Prison entrance, he saw Obama waving at him to follow him. After about 100 miles away, there was no Obama--It turned out to be a Mirage..
14 years for being a not very successful crooked politician? He shouldn't be getting more than three years. What is this country becoming, another Soviet style prison state? It is disgusting how casually our justice system can ruin a life. Just who benefits from this harsh sentence? I can tell you who doesn't -- we taxpayers who have to pay for this sentencing extravagance. And I am a conservative republican asking for the system to cut him a little slack. I guess it is too late for that.
He will spend less than half of his sentence.
Um....under federal rules he must serve at least 85% of his sentence. Since your knowledge of law is less than stellar, I will assume your knowledge of math is as well. That is just under 12 years. His only hope of an early release is either a reversal on appeal or pardon. The former is unlikely; the latter completely unfathomable.
Areius "Blogo wins, all the fools will be com'n round the mountain when the books hit the shelves."And he'll have a wonderful life for 14 years,long as he be sellin books,,,,,
What a D-bag! Smiling & posing for pux on an airplane rid to prison.... Hahaha, he just has no shame! Loser!
Clueless. Just clueless.
Vine needs a special place for all the people fixated on the anal rape in prisons to meet and chat. You can't make an honest opinion out of comments like those.
Is he sitting in FIRST CLASS?? Somebody say it ain't so!!
Blagojevich was the first Democratic governor elected in 30 years. His predecessor, former Gov. George Ryan, a Republican, is also serving a federal corruption sentence.
Copyright 2012 Raycom News Network. All rights reserved.
A little detail you foxbots were not informed of.
Blagojevich, like the lions share of Politicians are so overconfident that they believe they can do no wrong even when they are smacked in the face with the truth.
This won't hit home to Blagojevich until he is told repeatedly to shut up by some low ranking Prison Guard, his head is shaved and his Cell door is slammed shut and then propositioned by his Cellmate.
Actually I've eaten at Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers. Place is better than Smashburger or Five Guys. They have em all over Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, I think I'd go to Morton's for my last meal but Freddy's is awesome. Like Ted Drewes in St Louis only better
A last Free meal my a... How about the cops, were they having a meal with him? I can't believe they let him drive to prison , I bet if I did that I would be chained and driven to the pokey. I hope they teach him a few things in the Pokey with Bubba and Tiny and the rest of the gang.
And he looks like such a nice boy.
I suppose he wasn't in a hurry to get started with his sentence...
Blago will be given a pardon by his buddy Barack before he leaves office next January.
I certainly hope he doean't get another four years! he made history now it's time to do something different! Like go back to Illinois and waste their time and money!
Our Congress are much smarter. While it's against the law for everyone else on insider trading. Congress pasted a law that it's ok for them on insider trading. Bet Martha Stewart just love Congress.
What astounds me is that he's sitting IN FIRST CLASS!!!
Well I hope he enjoyed his flight. Hell, probably even had a couple cocktails---but NOTHING like the COCKTAILS HE GOING TO HAVE!! lmao
...anyone wanna bet he will get a Presidential Pardon??????....and live Happy Thereafter!!!!
he'll be looking at chewstroke.com quite a bit..
Some of you don't seem to realize that he is going to a minimum security facilty. Sorry, but they won't be shaving his head, and he won't have to deal with "Bubba". As far as prison goes, this pos is in the best possible place called prison.
@ Wilbur 314264 "You mean 2017". I certainly hope not! He made history by being the first now it's time to move on and do something else! Like go back to Illinois!
He appeared quite calm throughout this self surrender process. I am sure that by now the reality of 13 years in federal prison - even if it is low security - is sinking in.
Jonathan