Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was convicted of corruption in June.

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Prosecutors ask that Rod Blagojevich be sentenced to 15 to 20 years in prison

The former Illinois governor was found guilty of 17 corruption charges

The charges relate to his attempt to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama

CNN  — 

Federal prosecutors are asking that former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich be sentenced to 15 to 20 years in prison.

The charges are related to Blagojevich’s attempt to sell the U.S. Senate seat held by Barack Obama before Obama resigned to become president.

The hearing is expected to last two days, and the sentence could be handed down Wednesday.

Federal prosecutors have asked that Blagojevich be sentenced to 15 to 20 years in prison.

“In light of Blagojevich’s extensive corruption of high office, the damage he caused to the integrity of Illinois government, and the need to deter others from similar acts, the government suggests a sentence of 15 to 20 years imprisonment is sufficient but not greater than necessary,” U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald wrote in court documents filed Wednesday.

Attorneys for Blagojevich had no immediate comment.