Breaking news from Chicago:
Source: Feds take Gov. Blagojevich into custody
December 9, 2008 at 8:10 AM
A source said today that Gov. Rod Blagojevich was taken into federal custody at his North Side home this morning. The U.S. attorney's office would not confirm the information.
A Blagojevich spokesman said he was unaware of the development. "Haven't heard anything -- you are first to call," Lucio Guerrero said in an e-mail.
This is good news and has been a long time coming. The guy needs to go!
Will update as more news becomes available.
Update [2008-12-9 9:46:28 by Bob Johnson]:
FBI confirms arrest in radio interview (WBBM-AM 780). Blagojevich will be arraigned this afternoon. FBI spokesperson also confirmed that Blago's appointment of Obama's successor has become part of investigation! This guy had absolutely NO shame...
(more)
Update [2008-12-9 9:46:28 by Bob Johnson]:
A friend of mine proposed long ago that anyone elected Governor of Illinois should be "pre-indicted" on the day they're elected, saving the Feds the trouble and perhaps enticing the Guv to do at least one decent thing. (George Ryan, the previous guv who was also indicted and convicted, put the kabosh on the death penalty and emptied death row.)
Update [2008-12-9 10:11:5 by Bob Johnson]:
pdf of criminal complaint. courtesy of flamme, below:
U.S. vs. Rod Balgojevich, John Harris (Chief of Staff)
Update [2008-12-9 10:35:7 by Bob Johnson]:
pdf of Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald's press release, courtesy of Drdemocrat, below:
U.S. Attorney, Northern District of Illinois statement
Update [2008-12-9 10:51:53 by Bob Johnson]:
Personal note: I know a prosecutor who works in Fitzgerald's office as well as an FBI agent in the public corruption section of the Chicago office, and these folks have told me that those working for/with Fitzgerald would run through a brick wall for the guy.
He likes to get the bad guys. Someday, he'd make a great AG, though I'm sure Mayor Daley would love to see him gone...
Update [2008-12-9 13:1:26 by Bob Johnson]:
State Representative John Fritchey (D) (from Blagojevich's home district), head of the House Judiciary committee, said impeachment proceedings will begin immediately.