William Cellini reports to Indiana prison
12:05PM Tuesday
January 22, 2013

By MICHAEL TARM
CHICAGO (AP)
- A former Illinois powerbroker once known as the "King of Clout" has reported to an Indiana federal prison to begin serving a year-long sentence for corruption.

A Bureau of Prisons spokesman confirmed William Cellini reported Tuesday to a federal lockup in Terre Haute, Ind. It's the same prison where former Illinois Gov. George Ryan is serving a corruption sentence.

Jurors in 2011 convicted Cellini of trying to extort the producer of "Million Dollar Baby" for a $1.5 million political contribution. It was intended for then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich's campaign. Blagojevich is serving a 14-year sentence for multiple corruption counts in a Colorado prison.

Cellini is a longtime Springfield businessman. He recently suffered heart ailments and wanted a prison facility where he could get adequate care.
 

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CHICAGO (AP) - A 78-year-old former Illinois powerbroker is due to report to prison to start serving a year-long sentence for corruption.

A judge earlier this month set Tuesday as the reporting date for William Cellini. The Springfield businessman once known as the "King of Clout" was initially supposed to report on Jan. 4 but was granted an extension.

Bureau of Prisons spokesman Chris Burke says Cellini hasn't yet reported. He's required to report by 2 p.m.

Burke says he can't identify Cellini's prison until he reports. Cellini had requested a Montgomery, Ala., prison.

Jurors convicted Cellini in 2011 of trying to shake down the producer of "Million Dollar Baby" for a $1.5 million political contribution to then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich's campaign.

In November, Cellini withdrew his request to remain free pending appeal.
Copyright © 2013 Associated Press

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