CHICAGO (AP) — U.S. prosecutors say the harsh 10 ½ -year prison sentence handed to a former fundraiser for ousted Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich should send a message about public corruption.
The message is don't do it. But if you do, you'll get no mercy unless you tell the truth and cooperate with authorities — the sooner the better.
Prosecutors say Tony Rezko learned that lesson too late.
Meanwhile, several other defendants with related corruption cases have told all and will likely get lighter sentences.
Blagojevich is among those awaiting sentencing.
The difference in how much time defendants get will likely depend not only on their level of culpability and the seriousness of their crimes, but on how early — and often — they cooperated with the government.
Shares