Blagojevich Sentencing Delayed Indefinitely

CHICAGO (CN) – A federal judge ruled to indefinitely delay the sentencing of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich for 17 corruption charges of which he was convicted.      U.S. District Judge James Zagel issued the order without explanation on Monday. He also denied Blagojevich’s bid for a new trial in the same statement.     Despite the lack of explanation from the court, many close to the case have pointed to next week’s calendar in which Zagel is slated to preside over the trial of Blagojevich co-defendant William Cellini.     Cellini’s lawyer, Dan Webb, raised concerns last week that public reaction to Blagojevich’s sentence could taint the federal jury pool.     Late last June, Blagojevich was convicted of wire fraud, bribery, attempted distortion and various other charges. The convictions included 11 counts regarding the sale of Obama’s Senate seat and three regarding a shakedown of Children’s Memorial Hospital.     Under the sentencing guidelines, Blagojevich could serve up to 30 years in prison.     Blagojevich’s lawyers plan to appeal his case to the 7th Circuit.