Chicago (CNN) -- A federal judge sentenced former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich to 14 years in prison for corruption convictions Wednesday.
Blagojevich, who turns 55 Saturday, must start serving his prison term within 90 days, the judge ordered. He must also pay a $20,000 fine.
"This is the time to be strong," Blagojevich told reporters as he left the Chicago federal courthouse. "This is the time to fight through adversity. This is the time for me to be strong for my children."
The sentence followed a dramatic apology by Blagojevich to his state, his family and the judge, in which he said he is "unbelievably sorry."
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"I've had plenty of time to reflect on all that's happened," Blagojevich said. "I'm here convicted of crimes, and I am accepting of it, acknowledge it."
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