Just before noon on Thursday, former flamboyant ex-governor of Illinois Rod Blagojevich walked into the Federal Correctional Institution Englewood in Littleton, Colorado, but not before \u201cglad-handing\u201d one last time.<\/p>\n
Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich began a 14-year sentence for corruption on Thursday, but not before he made once last media stop and chatted it up with local high school students and others at Freddy\u2019s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers in Littleton, Colorado.\u00a0 The former reality show contestant didn\u2019t appear to be in any hurry to report to prison.<\/p>\n
The 55-year-old Blagojevich, whose every move was broadcast from the time he boarded his plane in Chicago to the time he departed in Denver, made the most of the media circus following him.\u00a0 On Wednesday evening, he invited the media to his home in Chicago for one last public statement.\u00a0 As in earlier statements, Blagojevich claimed his innocence, stating that he always believed what he did while he was governor of Illinois was legal, and that the truth would eventually prevail.<\/p>\n
Blagojevich was indicted on 18 counts, including charges that he tried to sell or trade President Barack Obama\u2019s vacant U.S. Senate seat.\u00a0 Blagojevich, known for \u201ctalking big,\u201d was caught in his own words, however, when FBI wiretaps recorded him stating that he was willing to sell or exchange the Senate seat for cash or for a \u201ctop job,\u201d which he described as \u201cf—– golden.\u201d\u00a0 Additionally, the former governor was also convicted of shaking down racetrack and hospital officials for campaign donations and lying to the FBI.\u00a0 Although he was sentenced in December, Blagojevich was given three months to report to prison; time he spent saying \u201cgood-bye\u201d to his wife and daughters.<\/p>\n
Once in Colorado, Blagojevich was driven straight to the prison from the airport.\u00a0 The black SUV carrying the former governor of Illinois and his entourage, however, circled the correctional facility several times before departing and ending up at Freddy\u2019s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers in Littleton.\u00a0 Once inside, Blagojevich ordered a couple of patty melts and some fries, and seized the opportunity to chat it up with a group of locals, including students from nearby Chatfield High School.<\/p>\n
After explaining who he was to the students, Blagojevich shared some of his food with them and posed for photos.\u00a0 Many of the students were unfamiliar with Blagojevich, and several went online to look him up.\u00a0 After realizing who he was and that he was on his way to prison, they were surprised by his cool demeanor and almost jovial behavior.<\/p>\n
Upon finishing his meal and some final \u201cglad-handing,\u201d Blagojevich left Freddy\u2019s and headed back to the Federal Correctional Institution Englewood, where he walked in just before noon and traded his finely tailored suit for a khaki prison uniform.<\/p>\n