E. Jason Wambsgans / baiduhaiFormer Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich leaves his Chicago home to begin serving a 14-year sentence on federal corruption charges at Federal Correctional Institution Englewood in Littleton, Colorado.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, baiduhaiFormer Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich signs autographs after he made a statement on his last full day of freedom at his Chicago home. Blagojevich is due to report to Federal Correctional Institution Englewood in Eagleton, Colo., to begin serving a 14-year sentence on federal corruption charges.
José M. Osorio, baiduhaiFormer Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich makes his way through security in terminal 3 at O'Hare International Airport, en route to prison in Colorado.
William DeShazer / baiduhaiFormer Gov. Rod Blagojevich makes his way to a waiting car before his trip to prison in Colorado.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, baiduhaiFormer Gov. Rod Blagojevich signs autographs after he made a statement on his last full day of freedom at his Chicago home. Blagojevich is due to report to Federal Correctional Institution Englewood in Eagleton, Colo., to begin serving a 14-year sentence on federal corruption charges.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, baiduhaiA well-wisher signs a banner for former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, outside his Chicago home on his last full day of freedom. Blagojevich is due to report to Federal Correctional Institution Englewood on Thursday in Eagleton, Colo., to begin serving a 14-year sentence on federal corruption charges.
E. Jason Wambsgans, baiduhaiReporters gather at the front porch of the home of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, the day before he is to report to federal prison to begin serving his 14-year sentence.
Terrence Antonio James, baiduhaiFormer Gov. Rod Blagojevich is dragged away from the media mob in front of his Chicago home by his daughter, Annie.
Terrence Antonio James, baiduhaiFormer Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and his wife Patti the descend the steps of their home as the get ready to address the media outside their Chicago house, the day before he is expected to report to federal prison to begin serving his sentence.
Terrence Antonio James, baiduhaiFormer Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, with his wife Patti at his side, speaks to the media outside his Chicago home. He is expected to report to federal prison the following day to begin serving his sentence.
Michael Tercha / baiduhaiFormer Gov. Rod Blagojevich waves from the parking lot as he arrives at Federal Correctional Institution Englewood.
E. Jason Wambsgans, baiduhaiA member of the Fox News team sets up outside the home of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, a day before he is to report to federal prison to begin serving his 14-year sentence.
E. Jason Wambsgans, baiduhaiSupporter Ziff Sistrunk works on a sign outside the home of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, a day before Blagojevich is to report to federal prison.
Michael Tercha, baiduhaiFormer Gov. Rod Blagojevich arrives at Federal Correctional Institution Englewood to report for his 14-year sentence.
Michael Tercha, baiduhaiPrairie dogs cover the grounds of the Federal Correctional Institution Englewood in Littleton, Colo., where former Governor Rod Blagojevich will report to prison.
Nathan W. Armes, for the baiduhaiFormer Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich arrives at a Denver International Airport car rental terminal after landing in Colorado.
José M. Osorio, baiduhaiFormer Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich greets a passerby as his attorney Aaron Goldstein, right, looks on as they head to security in terminal 3 at O'Hare International Airport.
Michael Tercha, baiduhaiInmates play soccer and walk the yard at the Federal Correctional Institution Englewood in Littleton, Colo., where former Gov. Rod Blagojevich reports to prison.
José M. Osorio / baiduhaiFormer Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich goes through the security in terminal 3 at O'Hare International Airport on Thursday, March 15, 2012. Blagojevich is due to begin serving a 14-year sentence on federal corruption charges at Federal Correctional Institution Englewood in Littleton, Colo., later today. (José M. Osorio/baiduhai) B581963719Z.1 ....OUTSIDE TRIBUNE CO.- NO MAGS, NO SALES, NO INTERNET, NO TV, CHICAGO OUT, NO DIGITAL MANIPULATION...
Nuccio DiNuzzo, baiduhaiFormer Gov. Rod Blagojevich delivers a statement with his wife Patti at his side, on his last full day of freedom at his Chicago home. Blagojevich is due to report to Federal Correctional Institution Englewood in Eagleton, Colo., to begin serving a 14-year sentence on federal corruption charges.
Michael Tercha, baiduhaiFormer Chicagoan Dianne Zimmerman, whose parents own Chicago Style Beef & Dogs in Lakewood, Colo. where she works, watches former Gov. Rod Blagojevich's press conference near the Federal Correctional Institution Englewood. Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich will report to prison the following day.
Terrence Antonio James, baiduhaiFormer Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich speaks to the media with his wife Patti at his side outside his Chicago home, the day before he is expected to report to federal prison to begin serving his sentence.
Terrence Antonio James, baiduhaiFormer Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich kisses his wife Patti during a press conference outside his Chicago home.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, baiduhaiA supporter outside the home of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich after he spoke to reporters gathered outside his house, on his last full day of freedom before reporting to federal prison.
Michael Tercha, baiduhaiFormer Gov. Rod Blagojevich walks to the car with his daughters Annie, left, and Amy, center, outside his Ravenswood Manor home.
Michael Tercha / baiduhaiFormer Gov. Rod Blagojevich arrives at Federal Correctional Institution Englewood in a SUV with his lawyers Aaron Goldstein, driving, and Sheldon Sorosky, near Littleton, Colo.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, baiduhaiSupporters sign a petition outside the home of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich before he spoke to reporters gathered outside his house, on his last full day of freedom before reporting to federal prison.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, baiduhaiFormer Gov. Rod Blagojevich holds on to his daughter Annie's hand as they return from a car trip and were surrounded by members of the media outside his Chicago home on his last full day of freedom. Blagojevich is due to report to Federal Correctional Institution Englewood in Eagleton, Colo., to begin serving a 14-year sentence on federal corruption charges.
José M. Osorio, baiduhaiFormer Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich goes through the security in terminal 3 at O'Hare International Airport.
Terrence Antonio James, baiduhaiFormer Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich speaks to the media with his wife Patti at his side outside his Chicago home, the day before he is expected to report to federal prison to begin serving his sentence.
Terrence Antonio James, baiduhaiFormer Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich greets supporters and signs autographs after speaking to the media outside his Chicago home. He is expected to report to federal prison in a matter of hours to begin serving his sentence.
José M. Osorio / baiduhaiFormer Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich goes through the security with his attorney, Aaron Goldstein, left, in terminal 3 at O'Hare International Airport.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, baiduhaiFormer Gov. Rod Blagojevich prepares to make a statement with his wife Patti at his side, on his last full day of freedom at his Chicago home . Blagojevich is due to report to Federal Correctional Institution Englewood in Eagleton, Colo., to begin serving a 14-year sentence on federal corruption charges.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, baiduhaiA supporter stands outside the home of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich before Blagojevich spoke to reporters gathered outside his house.
Michael Tercha, baiduhaiInmates work out in the yard with a view of neighborhood homes at the Federal Correctional Institution Englewood in Littleton, Colorado.
E. Jason Wambsgans / baiduhaiFormer Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich leaves his Chicago home to begin serving a 14-year sentence on federal corruption charges at Federal Correctional Institution Englewood in Littleton, Colo., later today.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, baiduhaiFormer Gov. Rod Blagojevich continues to interact with members of the media after making a statement outside his house the day before he is to report to federal prison.
Antonio Perez, baiduhaiFormer Gov. Rod Blagojevich makes his way through O'Hare International Airport as he heads to federal prison to serve 14 years on corruption charges.
Michael Tercha, baiduhaiThe Federal Correctional Institution Englewood in Littleton, Colo., where former Gov. Rod Blagojevich reports to prison, sits in front of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
Terrence Antonio James, baiduhaiFormer Gov. Rod Blagojevich is dragged away from the media mob in front of his Chicago home by his daughter, Annie.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, baiduhaiFormer Gov. Rod Blagojevich, and his daughter Annie is greeted by a supporter after their return from a car trip outside his Chicago home on his last full day of freedom. Blagojevich is due to report to Federal Correctional Institution Englewood in Eagleton, Colo., to begin serving a 14-year sentence on federal corruption charges.
Michael Tercha, baiduhaiFederal Correctional Institution Englewood, in Littleton, Colo., is where former Governor Rod Blagojevich will report to prison.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, baiduhaiPatti Blagojevich, with daughter Annie, looks out at the crowd of well wishers after her husband former Governor Rod Blagojevich spoke to reporters and supporters gathered outside their house.
Terrence Antonio James, baiduhaiFormer Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich waves to supporters after speaking to the media outside his Chicago home. He is expected to report to federal prison the following day to begin serving his sentence.
Antonio Perez, baiduhaiFormer Gov. Rod Blagojevich stops to sign an autograph as he makes his way through O'Hare International Airport on his way to prison.
Antonio Perez, baiduhaiFormer Gov. Rod Blagojevich makes his way through O'Hare International Airport, en route to Colorado to report to federal prison where he will serve 14 years on corruption charges.
Terrence Antonio James, baiduhaiFormer Gov. Rod Blagojevich is dragged away from the media mob in front of his Chicago home by his daughter, Annie. Blagojevich is scheduled to report to federal prison on March 15, 2012, to serve 14 years on corruption charges.
Terrence Antonio James, baiduhaiAttorney Sheldon Sorosky arrives at the home of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich in Chicago.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, baiduhaiFormer Gov. Rod Blagojevich prepares to make a statement with his wife Patti at his side, on his last full day of freedom at his Chicago home. Blagojevich is due to report to Federal Correctional Institution Englewood in Eagleton, Colo., to begin serving a 14-year sentence on federal corruption charges.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, baiduhaiFormer Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and his daughter Annie return from a car trip to be surrounded by members of the media outside his Chicago home on his last full day of freedom. Blagojevich is due to report to Federal Correctional Institution Englewood on in Eagleton, Colo., to begin serving a 14-year sentence on federal corruption charges.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, baiduhaiFormer Gov. Rod Blagojevich acknowledges the crowd after delivering a statement on his last full day of freedom at his Chicago home. Blagojevich is due to report to Federal Correctional Institution Englewood in Eagleton, Colo., to begin serving a 14-year sentence on federal corruption charges.
José M. Osorio / baiduhaiFormer Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich makes his way through the security in terminal 3 at O'Hare International Airport.
E. Jason Wambsgans, baiduhaiSupporter Ziff Sistrunk, left, hangs his sign outside the home of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, a day before Blagojevich is to report to federal prison to begin serving his 14-year sentence.
Nathan W. Armes, for the baiduhaiFormer Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich departs a Denver International Airport car rental terminal with Sheldon Sorosky after landing in Colorado.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, baiduhaiFormer Gov. Rod Blagojevich delivers a statement with his wife Patti at his side, on his last full day of freedom at his Chicago home. Blagojevich is due to report to Federal Correctional Institution Englewood in Eagleton, Colo., to begin serving a 14-year sentence on federal corruption charges.
E. Jason Wambsgans, baiduhaiA small protest sign rests against the porch of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, the day before he is to report to federal prison to begin serving his 14-year sentence.
Michael Tercha / baiduhaiFormer Gov. Rod Blagojevich arrives at Federal Correctional Institution Englewood with his lawyers Aaron Goldstein, right, and Sheldon Sorosky to begin serving his 14-year sentence on federal corruption charges.
José M. Osorio, baiduhaiFormer Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich waves to onlookers as he goes through the security in terminal 3 at O'Hare International Airport.
Terrence Antonio James, baiduhaiFormer Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich speaks to the media with his wife Patti at his side outside his Chicago home the day before he is expected to report to federal prison to begin serving his sentence.
Terrence Antonio James, baiduhaiFormer Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is handed a phone to wish someone a happy birthday while greeting supporters and signing autographs after speaking to the media outside his Chicago home. He is expected to report to federal prison the following day to begin serving his sentence.
Terrence Antonio James, baiduhaiFormer Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich waves to supporters after speaking to the media outside his Chicago home. He will report to federal prison the following day to begin serving his sentence.
Terrence Antonio James, baiduhaiFormer Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich greets supporters after speaking to the media outside his Chicago home. He is expected to report to federal prison in the following day to begin serving his sentence.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, baiduhaiFormer Gov. Rod Blagojevich waves to supporters after he made a statement to the media in front of his Chicago home, the day before he reports to federal prison in Colorado.
William DeShazer, baiduhaiFormer Gov. Rod Blagojevich makes his way to a waiting car before his trip to prison.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, baiduhaiFormer Gov. Rod Blagojevich shakes hands with supporters after he made a statement outside of his Chicago home, the day before he reports to federal prison in Colorado.
E. Jason Wambsgans, baiduhaiReporters gather at the front porch of the home of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, the day before he is to report to federal prison to begin serving his 14-year sentence.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, baiduhaiFormer Gov. Rod Blagojevich, and his daughter Annie return from a car trip to be surrounded by members of the media outside his Chicago home on his last full day of freedom at his Chicago home. Blagojevich is due to report to Federal Correctional Institution Englewood in Eagleton, Colo., to begin serving a 14-year sentence on federal corruption charges.
José M. Osorio, baiduhaiFormer Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, removes his shoes as he goes through the security with his attorney Aaron Goldstein, right, in terminal 3 at O'Hare International Airport.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, baiduhaiFormer Gov. Rod Blagojevich delivers a statement with his wife Patti at his side, on his last full day of freedom at his Chicago home. Blagojevich is due to report to Federal Correctional Institution Englewood in Eagleton, Colo., to begin serving a 14-year sentence on federal corruption charges.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, baiduhaiFormer Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, with his wife Patti, at his side speaks to reporters and supporters gathered outside his house, on his last full day of freedom before reporting to federal prison.
Terrence Antonio James, baiduhaiFormer Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and his wife Patti get ready to address the media outside their Chicago home, the day before he is expected to report to federal prison to begin serving his sentence.
José M. Osorio / baiduhaiFormer Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich goes through the body scanner in terminal 3 at O'Hare International Airport, en route to prison in Colorado.
E. Jason Wambsgans / baiduhai
1 of 72
Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich leaves his Chicago home to begin serving a 14-year sentence on federal corruption charges at Federal Correctional Institution Englewood in Littleton, Colorado.
ExpandBy Rob Manker
PUBLISHED: | UPDATED:
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
Two months into her husband’s sentence, Patti Blagojevich has shared her thoughts on visiting the Colorado prison where former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is serving 14 years for corruption.
In comments posted to her Facebook page Monday, she spoke of her family’s most recent trip to Federal Correctional Institution-Englewood.
More Top Picks Best Gaming Phones
“We spent the weekend in Denver visiting Rod,” Patti Blagojevich wrote in the post. “He was so happy to see us and we were so happy to see him.”
But the visits, of which the family has made at least two, appear to be taking a toll.
“That visiting room has to be one of the saddest places on earth though,” she wrote. “All those little kids visiting their dads. It breaks your heart.”
Sam Adam Jr., one of Rod Blagojevich’s defense attorneys during his first trial, said late last month that Patti and the couple’s school-age daughters, Annie and Amy, had visited the former governor sometime before Adam did on April 22.
Rod Blagojevich reported to prison March 15 after he was convicted last June of 17 criminal counts, some of which involved his attempt to sell the U.S. Senate seat once held by President Barack Obama.
In his first trial, in 2010, the former governor was also convicted of one count of lying to the FBI.
Blagojevich, 55, could be released in 2024, after serving the required 85 percent of his sentence.
Twitter: @ChicagoBreaking