Former federal prosecutor evaluates significance of Cellini conviction

Former federal prosecutor evaluates significance of Cellini conviction
William Cellini leaves the federal building, Tuesday after being convicted on two of four counts. AP/Charles Rex Arbogast
Former federal prosecutor evaluates significance of Cellini conviction
William Cellini leaves the federal building, Tuesday after being convicted on two of four counts. AP/Charles Rex Arbogast

Former federal prosecutor evaluates significance of Cellini conviction

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William Cellini, a native son of Springfield, could soon move from the corridors of power to a prison cell. Jurors convicted the long-time political figure and Friend of ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich on two of four counts Tuesday. Cellini was found guilty of conspiracy to extort and of aiding and abetting bribery. His trial was likely the last of the so-called Operation Board Games prosecutions. Patrick Deady, a former federal prosecutor, saw his fair share of public corruption trials in Chicago, including that of former Gov. George Ryan. Eight Forty-Eight asked him to evaluate how the Cellini trial compared to previous prosecutions.