Blagojevich vows to appeal single conviction against him; says he’s the victim of persecution

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Blagojevich vows to appeal 1 conviction count

CHICAGO — Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich vows to appeal his single conviction against him and says he’s the victim of persecution by the federal government.

Blagojevich spoke to reporters on Tuesday after a jury found him guily of one count of lying to federal agents. The judge declared a mistrial in the other 23 counts against him.

He told reporters that he wants the “people of Illinois to know that I did not lie to the FBI.”

Prosecutors had accused Blagojevich of trying to sell or trade President Barack Obama’s former U.S. Senate seat among other allegations. Blagojevich had maintained that he did no wrongdoing.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

CHICAGO (AP) — Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich vows to appeal his single conviction against him and says he’s the victim of persecution by the federal government.

Blagojevich spoke to reporters on Tuesday after a jury found him guily of one count of lying to federal agents. The judge declared a mistrial in the other 23 counts against him.