Blagojevich guilty on just 1 count; prosecutors vow to retry case as soon as possible

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Blago guilty on just 1 count; feds vow retrial

CHICAGO — A federal jury found former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich guilty on Tuesday of one count of lying to federal agents, and the judge said he intends to declare a mistrial on the remaining 23 counts.

Prosecutors said immediately after the verdict was read that they intend to retry the case against Blagojevich and his co-defendant brother as soon as possible. He had faced 24 counts in all, including charges that he tried to sell or trade President Barack Obama’s old Senate seat.

His brother, Nashville, Tenn., businessman Robert Blagojevich, had faced charges associated with that alleged scheme as well.

Judge James B. Zagel set a hearing for Aug. 26 to decide manner and timing of their retrial.

Prosecutors said immediately that they intend to retry the case against Blagojevich and his co-defendant brother, Robert Blagojevich, as soon as possible. The charges had included the accusation that they had tried to sell or trade President Barack Obama’s old Senate seat.

The verdict came on the 14th day of deliberations. Jurors had asked earlier Tuesday for advice on filling out their verdict forms and a copy of the oath they took before deliberating.

Zagel said Blagojevich’s bond will stay the same.