Jailhouse Rockers cited in defense of ex-governor

Published 10:26 am Tuesday, August 9, 2016

CHICAGO — Rod Blagojevich’s Jailhouse Rockers may have disbanded but their memory lives on in the ex-Illinois governor’s resentencing case.

A federal judge will decide today whether to cut Blagojevich’s 14-year prison sentence on 13 of 18 convictions upheld by an appellate court, including that he sought to exchange an appointment to President Barack Obama’s old U.S. Senate seat for campaign cash.

The defense has asked for a five-year term, citing the dropped counts and Blagojevich’s exemplary prison behavior. They even pointed to how Blagojevich, an Elvis Presley fan, formed a prison band called “The Jailhouse Rockers.” The group had a 21-song play list, and the ex-governor was the lead singer.

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It dissolved after the lead guitarist was released.