Blagojevich Associate Avoids Prison

Ali Ata will not go to prison for his role in the "pay-to-play" scheme of former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich.

Ata is the former head of the Illinois Finance Authority.  He was appointed to that post by Blagojevich after making a pair of $25,000 contributions to the Governor.

Ata pled guilty to making false statements to a government agent and to filing a false income tax return in 2002.

He received a lesser sentence of four-years probation based on his testimony that led to the conviction of another Blagojevich associate, Tony Rezko.

Ata must also pay $200,000 in fines and restitution as part of his sentence.

Thanks to Illinois Public Radio.