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Blagojevich ordered to report to prison nearly a month later than originally scheduled

Former Ill. Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
(UPI/Bill Greenblatt)
Former Ill. Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Updated 12:24 p.m. with judge's recommendation for Blagojevich to go to Colorado prison.

A federal judge in Chicago has agreed to delay the start of ousted Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's prison term.

U.S. District Judge James Zagel on Tuesday agreed to allow Blagojevich to report to prison on March 15.

Blagojevich had previously been ordered to begin serving his 14-year prison term on Feb. 16. But his attorneys asked for the additional time so the 55-year-old Democrat could help his family move into a new home.

Prosecutors objected to the change, but Zagel agreed to the date.

Zagel also agreed to recommend that Blagojevich be sent to the Englewood prison in Colorado. Federal prison officials have the final say.

Attorney Sheldon Sorosky says he isn't sure why Blagojevich wants that prison; he says the Blagojevich family isn't moving to Colorado.

Blagojevich was convicted of corruption charges that included allegations that he tried to sell or trade an appointment to President Barack Obama's vacated Senate seat for campaign cash or a top job.

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