Thaindian News

By Meena Kar
Aug 18, (THAINDIAN NEWS) In what was the most frustrating outcome for the prosecutors, former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was found guilty on just 1 out of the 24 charges that were levied against him. It was, however, just one juror who kept the jury hung on the most crucial charge of trying to sell an appointment of President Barack Obama’s old senate seat. Three of the jurors admitted that the panel was deadlocked at 11-1 with one woman refusing to agree with the rest of the jury. The jury found the former Governor guilty of making false statements to the FBI, which is a much lesser charge than the three key counts on which the prosecutors were hoping to convict him- conspiracy to commit extortion, conspiracy to commit bribery and attempted extortion. The prosecutors have vowed to keep the fight on for the rest of the 23 charges that include mail fraud, bribery and even racketeering.

Rod Blagojevich also vowed to appeal the one conviction and also told the media that it was a case of persecution. Known for his flamboyant, showman like personality, he showed no emotions as the verdict was read out and then thanked the jurors. Outside the court he addressed the cheering crowd and continued to proclaim his innocence. He said that the single conviction against him was a result of a ‘nebulous’ conversation that he had five years ago and added that he will fight it.

It was clear last week that the jury was struggling with the case. One of them had revealed to the media that they had reached a unanimous decision on just two counts and did not even consider 11 of them. Jury foreman James Matsumoto, who had earlier refuted the claims that a single juror had held out the conviction, said that though he himself found Rod Blagojevich guilty, he knew from the first day that it would be very difficult for the jury to reach a unanimous decision.