Blagojevich indictment intrigues experts

CHICAGO, April 5 (UPI) -- Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's indictment indicates that federal prosecutors are still investigating his corruption case, legal analysts say.

The Chicago Tribune reported Sunday that the Democrat's indictment Thursday is a sign that prosecutors are seeking more evidence against the two-term governor who is accused of, among other things, trying to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama.

"I think this is a highlight, but this indictment is by no means the end of this," said former prosecutor Ronald Safer, a defense lawyer who once handled federal subpoenas on behalf of the governor's office. "There's a whole infrastructure in state government that supported what's in these allegations, and I think prosecutors will continue to investigate that."

The charges against Blagojevich include "old-fashioned, use-your-office-to-put-money-in-your-pocket graft," Safer said.

Sources say prosecutors are investigating whether Blagojevich's wife was involved in his alleged scheme by being paid for undelivered services. Former prosecutor Dean Polales said for authorities to charge her, they would have to show she was a knowing participant in a corrupt act.

"Paying somebody to do a job and giving them benefits and making their lives easier out of friendship isn't a crime," Polales said.

He noted that chances are "slim to none" that authorities could compel Patricia Blagojevich to testify against her husband "unless the government can make a showing that they participated in a crime together."