Blagojevich starts prison sentence

LITTLETON, Colo. -- Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich walked into a federal prison in Colorado to begin a 14-year sentence for corruption Thursday, the latest chapter in the downfall of a charismatic politician that seemed more like a bizarre reality TV show than a legal battle.

With helicopters and TV news crews broadcasting his every move, Blagojevich stepped out of a black SUV and walked into the Federal Correctional Institution Englewood in suburban Denver just before noon.

Blagojevich, Illinois' second ex-governor now in prison for corruption, was convicted on 18 counts, including charges of trying to sell or trade President Barack Obama's vacated U.S. Senate seat.

"I'm leaving with a heavy heart, a clear conscience and I have high, high hopes for the future," Blagojevich said as he left his Chicago home Thursday for his flight to Denver.

Along with his attorneys, Blagojevich spent about an hour driving around the minimum-security facility once arriving in Littleton, near Denver, stopping for lunch and waving to onlookers before relinquishing his freedom.

In what had become a familiar scene in the three years since his arrest, an optimistic if not defiant Blagojevich bounded down the stairs of his Chicago home through a throng of photographers and cameramen Thursday morning. Supporters were shouting encouragement.

"Saying goodbye is the hardest thing I've ever had to do," said Blagojevich.

When he finally arrived at the prison Thursday, the spotlight went away -- and he became Inmate No. 40892-424.

The man with a taste for fine Oxxford-label suits was to be given khaki prison garb and boots, and will share a cell the size of a large walk-in closet with up to three inmates.