Attorney: Ex-Illinois governor’s chief of staff expected to plead guilty to corruption charges

Ex-Blagojevich aide expected to plead guilty

CHICAGO — A defense attorney for former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s last chief of staff says his client will likely plead guilty to corruption charges.

Former Blagojevich chief-of-staff John Harris has pleaded not guilty to charges he plotted to squeeze people who have business with the state for campaign money or payoffs. His attorney, Terry Ekl, says Harris is expected to change his plea during a Wednesday afternoon appearance in federal court.

Harris could shed fresh light on the final days before Blagojevich’s arrest late last year on federal corruption charges. The former governor, who is accused of trying to sell or trade President Obama’s Senate seat, has denied any wrongdoing.