3 counsel appointed for Blagojevich trial

CHICAGO, May 12 (UPI) -- A federal court Tuesday appointed three defense lawyers for the corruption trial of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich whose funds are depleted.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported U.S. District Judge James B. Zagel appointed two lawyers, Sam Adams Jr. and Sam Adams Sr., in addition to existing counsel Sheldon Sorosky. Zagel said it was the first time he has appointed so many attorneys to a case. Blagojevich's defense attorneys hoped for a fourth, Allan Ackerman.

The Sun-Times said it is unusual to have judge-appointed lawyers, whose fees will be drawn from the Friends of Blagojevich's $2.3 million in campaign funds. Zagel set attorneys' fees at $110 per hour.

Blagojevich is charged with corruption while governor, including an allegation of attempting to sell the appointment of the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President Obama.

If the campaign fund runs out of cash, Zagel is will probably order taxpayer dollars to fund Blagojevich's defense.