Ex-Illinois power broker Cellini reports to Indiana prison
A former Illinois power broker once known as the “King of Clout” has reported to an Indiana federal prison to begin serving a yearlong sentence for corruption.
A Bureau of Prisons spokesman confirmed William Cellini reported Tuesday to a federal lockup in Terre Haute, Ind. It's the same prison where former Illinois Gov. George Ryan is serving a corruption sentence.
Jurors in 2011 convicted Cellini of trying to extort the producer of “Million Dollar Baby” for a $1.5 million political contribution. It was intended for then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich's campaign. Blagojevich is serving a 14-year sentence for multiple corruption counts in a Colorado prison.
Cellini is a longtime Springfield businessman. He recently suffered heart ailments and wanted a prison facility where he could get adequate care.