Levine Receives More Than 5 Years In Prison

A judge in Chicago has sentenced a political insider who became a key government witness in the corruption investigation of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s administration to 5 1/2 years in prison.
Stuart Levine pleaded guilty to money laundering and fraud charges and could have received a life sentence. But U.S. District Judge Amy St. Eve sentenced the admitted swindler and longtime drug addict to the term prosecutors recommended as part of his plea deal.  
Levine didn’t testify at either of Blagojevich’s trials, but prosecutors say he deserves substantial credit for evidence that led to Blagojevich’s convictions.
His testimony did help convict several other Blagojevich insiders.
Levine admitted he lined his pockets by abusing his position on powerful state boards and commissions.  (AP)