Tagged: Rod Blagojevich

Blagojevich "ripe candidate" for prison drug rehab according to report

A probation report says ousted Ill. Gov. Rod Blagojevich may be a "ripe candidate" for a drug treatment program in prison. That's according to defense attorney Sheldon Sorosky, who says he doesn't know what Blagojevich said to a probation officer to lead to that conclusion.

Judge James Zagel has agreed to recommend Blagojevich for a drug treatment program when he starts his   14-year prison sentence for corruption in March.

Rod Blagojevich's attorneys have asked to have him placed in a drug rehab program when he starts his 14-year prison sentence. They aren't saying if the former Illinois governor has a problem or if it's a legal move.

A judge agreed Tuesday to recommend Blagojevich for the program. Federal prison officials have the final say.

Reporting from Illinois Public Radio's Sean Crawford used in this report.

Rod Blagojevich has forfeited all his state pension benefits. That's the opinion of Illinois' Attorney General.

The legal opinion likely means Blagojevich won't begin getting checks when he turns 55 this weekend.  The board overseeing the General Assembly Retirement System moved earlier this year to block the payments.