By DemocracyRules
Rezko was once a close friend and fund raiser of Obama and Gov. Blagojevich. 
A federal jury today convicted Antoin "Tony" Rezko of corruption charges for influence-peddling as a key adviser and fund-raiser to Gov. Blagojevich. Rezko was found guilty on 16 of 24 corruption charges. He was acquitted of attempted extortion. He was convicted on 12 counts of wire and mail fraud, two counts of money laundering and two counts of aiding and abetting bribery.
The jury convicted Rezko of working with Stuart Levine to extort millions of dollars from companies which were seeking state business or state regulatory approval. Levine had pled guilty to his own charges in 2006, and was a key witness in this case. Levine said Rezko rigged decisions of two state boards in exchange for kickbacks. Government wiretaps and other witnesses supported Levine's testimony.
A former state official named Ali Ata testified he bribed Rezko and Blagojevich to get his position. Ata and other witnesses claimed Rezko had planned to have U.S. Atty. Patrick Fitzgerald fired, which might have derailed the case against Rezko.
The his trial did not involve Obama. However Obama and Rezko collaborated on a real estate deal which helped Obama buy his South Side home. Many observers believe the deal was unethical.
Pro Patria
Comments