CHICAGO -- Even before he took office six years ago, former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, his brother and a circle of associates conspired to use the governor's office to enrich themselves at the expense of taxpayers and "honest government," a federal grand jury indictment charged Thursday.

The 75-page, 19-count indictment charged Mr. Blagojevich, 52 years old, Robert Blagojevich, 53, two of the ex-governor's former aides and two business associates with a variety of felonies, including allegations the former governor schemed...