CHICAGO, Illinois (CNN) -- Impeached former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who was arrested in December on charges of conspiracy and fraud, was indicted Thursday on 16 felony counts by a federal grand jury, the U.S. attorney's office said. Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is facing such charges as racketeering, conspiracy and wire fraud. The 19-count indictment charges Blagojevich and some of his closest aides and advisers with a wide-ranging "scheme to deprive the people of Illinois of honest government," according to a statement by the attorney's office. Blagojevich, 52, faces charges including racketeering, conspiracy, wire fraud and making false statements to investigators, according to the release. Three counts in the indictment are against the aides and advisers.
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NEW: Blagojevich declines comment, says "I'm enjoying Disney World with my kids"
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Blagojevich faces up to 20 years in prison for each of 15 most serious charges
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Officials going after his home, saying he bought it with illegally-earned money
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Charges against him include wire fraud, making false statements
"While this is a terrible day in @placeholder history, it is also a moment in which we can recognize an opportunity for real reform."