Charles Rex Arbogast / AP

William Cellini, center, departs the federal courthouse with unidentified family members after Judge James Zagel sentenced him to 366 days in prison and a $75,000 fine on Thursday in Chicago.

CHICAGO -- A federal judge sentenced former Illinois powerbroker William Cellini to a year in prison Thursday for conspiring to shake down a movie producer, capping off the last trial to stem from the investigation of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Cellini, 77, was once known to political insiders as the "King of Clout" for his behind-the-scenes influence in state government. The multimillionaire businessman was convicted last year for his role in trying to get a $1.5 million campaign contribution for Blagojevich from Thomas Rosenberg, the Oscar-winning producer of "Million Dollar Baby," in exchange for state business.

Judge James Zagel's sentence of one year and one day in prison was more than the probation defense attorneys sought but far less than the 6 ½- to eight years in prison recommended by prosecutors. Zagel said he took into account Cellini's poor health, including a heart attack he had in June. The judge also fined Cellini $75,000.

"This was a series of extremely unwise decisions," Zagel said in sentencing Cellini. However, he also noted Cellini's acts of charity and said the 364 letters he received from Cellini supporters was more than he'd ever seen for anyone.

Defense attorneys described Cellini's numerous health problems, including blood clots that he has had and is at risk for having in the future.

"Mr. Cellini is in the twilight of his life," defense attorney Dan Webb told Zagel.

'Hard message'
Both sides asked the judge to take Cellini's health into account, but prosecutors said the conviction still warranted prison time because public officials were involved.

Federal prosecutor Julie Porter said that Cellini's "crimes are very significant."

The Chicago Tribune quoted Porter as saying:

"If you violate the public trust, you are going to jail. You are going to lose your liberty. This is a hard message, but it is a necessary message. … It does not matter if you are 27 or 77. It does not matter if you are rich or poor."

Cellini took notes during the hearing and sat at times with his eyes closed. He read from a short statement, thanking friends and family for their support and telling the judge he didn't think he had long to live. He asked for probation but also said he took responsibility for his actions.

"My family and I suffered greatly over these past five years," he said, referring to his legal problems. Members of his family sitting in the courtroom wiped tears.

Cellini doesn't have to report to prison until Jan. 4, and the judge said he did that to give Cellini more time deal with his health problems.

Cellini left court Thursday without speaking to reporters. His defense attorneys said they were disappointed in the sentence and were considering an appeal of his conviction.

Cellini, a Springfield Republican, was appointed Illinois transportation secretary in the early 1970s. He then used his state connections to help earn tens of millions from real estate, casino and other ventures.

Despite his wealth and influence, Cellini maintained a low profile and rarely spoke in public. It was his association with Blagojevich that drew him into legal peril.

Cellini was one of more than a dozen people ensnared by the decade-long investigation into Blagojevich. The ousted governor was sentenced last year to 14 years in prison on corruption charges, including allegations that he sought to sell or trade an appointment to President Barack Obama's vacated Senate seat. The Chicago Democrat began serving his sentence at a federal prison in Colorado in March.

Webb noted that Cellini wouldn't have pocketed any money from the shakedown of Rosenberg. Instead, prosecutors contend he saw it as a chance to further ingratiate himself with those in power.

Acting U.S. Attorney Gary Shapiro called Cellini one of the "principal movers and shakers in the corruption" that "pervaded Springfield."

But Shapiro said he doesn't expect this to be the end of corruption in Illinois.

"I'd like to think we're never going to be prosecuting corrupt Illinois politicians again," Shapiro told reporters after the hearing. "But I'd be insane to make that prediction."

The Chicago Tribune quoted Shapiro as saying Cellini's sentence should serve as a warning.

"I think there is something to be said for incarceration for a person in Bill Cellini's position … In certain communities, sentences of incarceration do send messages, and this is a small community we are talking about — the sort of bipartisan cabal of Illinois, the people that are the behind-the-scenes folks that fuel the corruption and raise the money. Those people pay attention to things like this, and they pay attention when someone who is almost 78 goes to prison."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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The inmate guidebook for one Federal Correctional Institution in the Midwest, shows just how different former governor Rod Blagojevich’s existence will be when he begins serving his 14-year prison term.   For the man who famously turned down living in Illinois’ palatial Governor’s Mansion, life is about to change in a big way.

The inmate guide for the prison in Milan, Mich., informs inmates that they can expect a complete medical and dental evaluation within two weeks of their arrival. Everyone is required to submit DNA samples, and an HIV test is required before departure. 

See video and read the original story at NBCChicago.com

If the governor is assigned to Milan, he will have a spending limit of $290 per month at the prison commissary. He can buy up to 60 first class stamps a week, but can’t have more in his possession at any time.  No cash is used in the institution.  He will have an inmate account, and there is a machine to check its balance.  

He will have to submit a list of up to 30 people he might have occasion to call on the telephone. 

The famous Blago hair will be cut by a prison barber.  Hours are 7:30 to 10:30 a.m., 11:30 to 3:30 p.m., and 4:30 to 9:30 p.m.  Prison regulations state that “there will be no hair cutting anywhere other than the barber shop.” 

While he used to enjoy the protection of State Police bodyguards, now Blagojevich will be subject to searches at any time.  Those can range from a patdown search, to strip searches, body cavity searches, and shakedowns of living areas.  The entire prison undergoes routine headcounts:  5 times a day during the week, and a “stand-up count” at 10:00 a.m. on weekends.

While the governor was well known as a snazzy dresser who dropped tens of thousands of dollars with a Chicago tailor, he will now be required to wear a khaki shirt and pants every day during the week, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  He must keep his shirt tucked in. 

No visiting is allowed in housing units where inmates do not live.  

There is no pay to play in prison.  Blagojevich will be informed that he cannot trade commissary privelidges with other inmates.  He cannot practice any kind of martial arts or kickboxing.  He will not be allowed to display any offensive photos in his living area. 

The former first lady and the Blagojevich children can visit Thursday through Sunday, and on Federal holidays, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Patti must bring a photo i.d. for each visit, although none will be required for the children.  No Blagojevich visitors can have more than $20 on them during a visit, and none of that money can be given to the governor.  Visitors are not allowed to bring food, gum, newspapers, magazines, photos or photo albums, tapes, cameras, or cell phones. 

Blagojevich is eligible for what is known as the “Low” classification of facility.  In addition to Milan, there are four others in the Midwest:  Ashland, Kentucky, Elkton, Ohio, Sandstone, Minnesota, and Waseca, Minnesota.  He could request a “Medium” designation, the next higher security level.  That would include Oxford, Wisconsin, and Terre Haute, Indiana, where former governor George Ryan is currently serving his own six and a half year term.

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