© 2024 St. Louis Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Lawyer asks judge to endorse Blagojevich for rehab

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

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.

Inmates who complete the program are typically eligible for up to a year's reduction in their sentences. They're also kept separate from a prison's general population.

Blagojevich's attorneys have declined to comment or didn't return messages about their request. Federal officials give greater weight to evidence of drug problems before an arrest in deciding admittance.

Blagojevich was convicted of corruption including trying to sell President Barack Obama's Senate seat.