CHICAGO (BNO NEWS) – The U.S. Court system has brought a second indictment against former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich with eight new charges, prosecutors announced on Thursday.

A second indictment was brought against Rod Blagojevich, 53, are based on the same underlying criminal conduct that supported the charges in the prior indictment. However, because Blagojevich’s illegal conduct violated multiple criminal statues, additional statues are charged in the second indictment.

The second indictment presents eight new charges, including various racketeering and extortion charges, attempted bribery of a U.S. Congressman, conspiracy to commit bribery, and attempted extortion of a U.S. Senator.

The former Governor faces 20 years in prison on the racketeering, racketeering conspiracy, wire fraud, attempted extortion, and extortion conspiracy charges. Blagojevich also faces an additional 10 years in prison on Bribery charges, 5 years on bribery conspiracy charges, and 5 years n false statement charges. He also faces a $250,000 fine on each charge.

He was removed from office and prohibited from ever holding public office in the state of Illinois through two separate and unanimous votes of 59-0 by the Illinois State Senate in January 2009, following an extensive Senate trial.

Blagojevich was charged with numerous abuses of power and alleged attempts to sell gubernatorial appointments and legislative authorizations and/or vetoes to the highest bidder. Included with these accusations was the alleged attempt to sell the appointment to the United States Senate vacated by the resignation of now U.S. President Barack Obama.