Ill. Businessman Sentenced to Prison

A prominent Springfield, Illinois, businessman was sentenced to a year and a day in prison yesterday for trying to get campaign contributions in exchange for state business. William Cellini, once known as the “King of Clout,” was convicted last year for his role in trying to exchange state business with an Oscar-winning producer for a $1.5 million contribution for imprisoned ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Cellini usually stays out of the public eye, but he issued a public statement taking responsibility for his actions. The 77-year-old asked the judge to give him probation because he suffers from numerous health problems and thinks he does not have long to live.