Springfield businessman William Cellini has been nicknamed both “The King of Clout” and “The Pope” for his significant influence in Illinois politics. (AP File Photo)
Reporting John Cody
CHICAGO (CBS) — More health problems have been reported for convicted powerbroker William Cellini, as he awaits sentencing for extortion.
As WBBM Newsradio’s John Cody reports, Cellini spokesman Richard Ciccone has told the Associated Press that Cellini has been treated for a blood clot, but then released from a Springfield hospital.
Ciccone said doctors feared the deep vein clot could travel to Cellini’s heart. Ciccone said Cellini suffered the clot last week, just a few weeks after he had a heart attack.
Cellini, 77, was convicted of conspiring with Blagojevich insiders Tony Rezko and Chris Kelly, and former state-board member Stuart Levine, to squeeze Hollywood movie executive Thomas Rosenberg for a $1.5 million campaign contribution to then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich by threatening Rosenberg’s financial company with the loss of $220 million in state pension money to be invested with Rosenberg’s firm.
Last month, a federal judge refused to overturn Cellini’s conviction.
LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio’s John Cody reports
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