A federal judge has sentenced a former Illinois official to four years' probation for donating $50,000 to then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich's campaign in exchange for a state job.
Ali Ata spoke briefly in court Tuesday, apologizing for his actions. The judge also ordered Ata to pay a $50,000 fine.
Ata, the former director of the Illinois Finance Authority, testified at Blagojevich's first corruption trial that helped convict the impeached governor on one count of lying to the FBI about fundraising. Ata did not testify at Blagojevich's retrial, which resulted in more convictions.
Ata pleaded guilty to making false statements to a government agent and to filing a false income tax return.
