Cellini, 73, of Springfield, the state’s capital, was charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and extortion, attempted extortion and soliciting a bribe, according to a statement today by Chicago U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald.

Cellini is accused of plotting with Rezko and Chicago-area businessman Stuart Levine to extort money from the Capri Capital investment firm and its then-principal, Thomas Rosenberg. If convicted on either extortion count, Cellini could receive a federal prison sentence of as long as 20 years, Fitzgerald said.