Judge takes fine out of Blagojevich’s pension

Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich will have $107,367 left in his pension when he heads off to prison later this month.

U.S. District Judge James Zagel has ordered Illinois to turn over $21,800 from Blagojevich’s $129,167.86 in state retirement plan contributions to satisfy a $20,000 fine and $1,800 in court costs levied when the Democrat was sentenced on a corruption conviction.

After Blagojevich in December received a 14-year sentence, Attorney General Lisa Madigan issued an opinion that the ex-governor couldn’t collect a state pension. Blagojevich is eligible for the pension he earned during six years in Congress.

Blagojevich was sentenced on 18 corruption-related counts, including charges that he tried to sell or trade the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama.