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* CBS 2 legal analyst Irv Miller thinks Tony Rezko may be ready to start singing for the G…
As the trial winds down, speculation is rampant that Rezko may yet cut a deal, plead guilty and tell the government everything he knows.
“If Joe Duffy and Tony Rezko knew that Ali Ata was going to be a witness in the case to bolster the testimony of Stuart Levine, that would have been a major consideration before this trial even started,” Miller said.
I have no clue whether Miller [no relation] is right nor not. Time will tell, I suppose. Your thoughts?
* Last week, the administration dumped what it claimed was a hugely expensive lease with Bill Cellini. The Sun-Times reported yesterday that another Rezko trial participant still has a pretty high-dollar lease with the administration…
Even though he’s no longer on the state payroll and has pleaded guilty to federal felony charges, a former top Blagojevich appointee is still getting money from taxpayers.
Ali Ata is one of the owners of a South Side building that has a multimillion-dollar, 10-year lease with the state. The Blagojevich administration is paying Ata and his partners more than $800,000 a year to lease space for the Department of Human Services in the building at 1642 W. 59th St.
I can’t help but wonder whether the Friday announcement on Cellini’s deal might have had something to do with the upcoming Sun-Times piece. Yeah, it’s a bit tinfoil hattish, but the depths that this governor will sink should never be underestimated.
* Related…
* Ata: I wore a wire after I was threatened
* Rezko pals put up own homes as collateral
* Ata took state job for ‘redemption’
* Last-minute Rezko witness packs a punch
* Rezko gavel-to-gavel: Prosecutors about done
* Lawyer apologizes after hinting 9/11 link to Rezko trial witness
*** UPDATE 1 - 11:26 am *** The Sun-Times reports that the prosecution has rested its case. More at the Tribune.
*** UPDATE 2 - 11:41 am *** From the Tribune…
In a surprise, lawyers for Antoin “Tony” Rezko opted Monday not to present any witnesses in his defense at Rezko’s corruption trial.
*** UPDATE 3 - 12:16 pm *** The Sun-Times isn’t so breathless…
The move isn’t a complete surprise.
Last week, Rezko’s lawyers hinted their defense case, if any, would be short — possibly wrapping up in an afternoon. Defense lawyers often say the bulk of their defense comes out through cross examination.
*** UPDATE 4 - 12:46 pm *** From the Daily Herald…
Duffy tried Monday to portray Ata as a businessman who knowingly played fast and loose with tax law and accounting practices in contexts having no relationship to Rezko. He also challenged Ata to document any of his contributions to Rezko.
“We have no records to corroborate the cash you say you gave to Mr. Rezko, is that correct?” Duffy asked.
“That’s correct.”
“We have no records to corroborate meetings you say you had with Mr. Rezko weekly or biweekly?”
“No, not from me.” […]
“Sir, you are a convicted liar, are you not?”
“Yes,” Atta said quietly.
*** UPDATE 5 - 1:19 pm *** The Sun-Times asked Duffy about his decision to not call any witnesses…
When asked after court today why no witnesses were brought to the stand to testify in Rezko’s defense, Rezko lawyer Joseph Duffy said it had to do with a deficient government case.
“We do not believe the government has met their burden in proving its charges against Mr. Rezko,” Duffy said. “Plain and simple.”
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, May 5, 08 @ 10:58 am
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From earlier post:
Since the Rezko trial will be winding down, you should start a What-If pool regarding Rezko’s fate.
ie: Walks away a free man, community service for one month, gets nervous and spills the beans on Blago, leaves the country via PalWaukee Airport, etc.
Comment by Wacker Drive Monday, May 5, 08 @ 11:08 am
Will Rezko flip? Like a Romanian gymnast. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lar-ayylGq8
Comment by If It Walks Like a Duck... Monday, May 5, 08 @ 11:10 am
I think the have enough in the case to get a conviction against Rezko. The real question is what incentive is the Govt offering for him to cut a deal before the jury decides the case. The incentive has to be enough that Rezko does not just roll his dice with the Jury, then neogtiate a deal after he sees which counts they convict him on; same for the Govt. They have to decide if Rezko wants to much, so they are better off seeing what the Jury convits on and hen negotiating a deal from a stronger position.
I would say everyone has a reaon to cut a deal, and both sides have a reason to ride it out. Ultimately, if Rezko is just the way to get the Gov, then the government is probaly willing to give a good deal to end it early.
Comment by Ghost Monday, May 5, 08 @ 11:11 am
Methinks Rezko really rolls the dice by flipping on Blago et al. If he keeps his mouth shut, the current administration will reward him very handsomely for his “loyalty”. I just don’t see him cutting his losses as the prosecution rests.
Comment by The Doc Monday, May 5, 08 @ 11:12 am
I have been thinking for a long time that Rezco’s attorney’s are not serving him well. My feelings were cemented when I learned that most of the loan money he received that landed him in jail for a few months went to his attorney’s. Then he has to lean on his friends just to get a month or two more of precious semi-freedom.
His attorney’s are getting the day to day pub from the trial where they get to pick apart corrupt witnesses and build their resume, meanwhile, their client sits hoping any of this will get him off.
Well it won’t. He will be convicted and then his best bargaining chip is gone. Then all he can do is bargain for less time. If he cooperated from the beginning he would be jailed at the Drake.
There is nothing wrong with swallowing your pride, admitting your mistakes and telling the truth. The wrong part was stealing millions from the State of Illinois taxpayers. Many of our corrupt elected officials and their cronies don’t realize that.
Comment by Garp Monday, May 5, 08 @ 11:17 am
I think we need a pix of the building on 59th St.
Is it a dump? Probably. So many state buildings are total dumps, but you wouldn’t know it if you only saw amount of the rent. Renting real estate to the state of Illinois is one of the more lucrative ways in which the politically connected can plunder their fellow taxpayers, with the connivance of the guv and the state’s ethically challenged buildings bureaucracy.
Comment by Cassandra Monday, May 5, 08 @ 11:20 am
The authorities should keep an eye on all small airports in northern Illinois. I don’t see Rezko making the transition from wealthy power broker to prison cell very well.
Comment by Maggie Monday, May 5, 08 @ 11:20 am
Here goes with my guess: If I am correct, the G didn’t originally intend to use Ata in the Rezko trial. Why? Did they want to save him for an upcoming trial but decided that they needed him because the testimony by Levine was not as solid as they wished? Maybe the G didn’t feel they needed to offer Rezko a sweet deal because they are confident in the upcoming cases? Am I all wet; am I perhaps stating the obvious?
Comment by Freezeup Monday, May 5, 08 @ 11:36 am
I guess I should say it more clearly, if the government doesn’t feel that they need your testimony they won’t give you the offer you are looking for as a defendant. The Feds are masters of compelling testimony but don’t do it if they don’t need it…
Comment by Freezeup Monday, May 5, 08 @ 11:41 am
I believe Rezko will be found guilty and will not cut a deal before but after. This administration has NOTHING to offer him since Blago’s number is coming up quickly in the sequence of trials. I would expect after Rezko’s guilty verdict that an indictment of Blago will soon follow. That doesn’t mean a trial will come quickly but at least an indictment should begin bringing “no comments” instead of denials from Abby and Rebecca. And that is a very good thing.
Comment by Little Egypt Monday, May 5, 08 @ 11:42 am
I don’t see how Rezko could expect any kind of reward from Blago after this, even if he never rolls on him. That relationship is severed permanently now, no matter what, Rezko will be politically radioactive. The governor will never take him back. Nobody is going to make any business deals with the guy for fear of attracting Federal and media attention.
You must be thinking of mob guys who may get rewarded after taking a fall and not snitching. But the record for most of those “outfit” guys is that at best they are kept at arm’s length from then onwards, and worst case, they get offed “just to make sure”.
While they could make a deal at any time up to just before the end of the trial, the best time to cut a deal was before now. I expect Tony is going to get some hard time to think things over. We saw how little he enjoyed being jailed before he got to make bail. I doubt he has the stones to do hard time. He may flip for the G after about six months, if he doesn’t do it in the next 48 hours. Its just that later on, he won’t be dictating any terms.
Comment by Ali Ata and the forty thieves Monday, May 5, 08 @ 11:49 am
What’s most remarkable is that Rezko’s attorney has been blustering about calling expert rebuttal witnesses that would undermine the credibility of Levine and Ata. Generally, there’s never a downside and always an upside for the defense when they present their own experts.
See: The O.J. Simpson trial.
I’d say there’s about an 80 percent chance that a deal has already been cut, just not finalized.
Duffy’s polling of his mock jury reviewing the evidence and listening to the testimony is probably telling him he’s doomed.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, May 5, 08 @ 11:50 am
Doesn’t look like a dump to me. Check it out at http://maps.google.com/ma
ps?ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&
;rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&
amp;client=firefox-a&q=
1642+W+59th+St,+Chicago,+I
L+60636,+USA&um=1&a
mp;sa=X&oi=geocode_re
sult&resnum=1&ct=title
Comment by If It Walks Like a Duck... Monday, May 5, 08 @ 11:53 am
YDD,
On the contrary, Duffy successfully discredited both witnessed on cross. The G didn’t prove their case, had insufficient evidence of a crime, and there is mucho reason for reasonable doubt. His move for dismissal could very well be granted. If not, the jury will cut Dirty Tony loose.
Comment by Bill Monday, May 5, 08 @ 11:55 am
Joe Duffy doesn’t need a ‘mock jury’ to tell him how the case is going. No experienced lawyer needs a ‘mock jury’ once the real trial starts. The lawyers are too busy working on jury instructions and preparing closing arguments to negotiate a plea deal, and both sides have an incentive to await the outcome. Otherwise a deal could have been struck earlier. Rezko did not testify so he can flip after he’s convicted, without destroying his value by denying everything under oath. I predict he will be convicted, he will flip, and then the Governor’s indictment is just a matter of time. But it takes months to debrief and then corroborate a major ‘flipper’.
Comment by Legal Eagle Monday, May 5, 08 @ 12:02 pm
Why so long a break before closing arguments?
Comment by Chanson Monday, May 5, 08 @ 12:03 pm
I think Rezko will cut a deal. 40 Thieves is right: why would Blago “reward” Rezko? The Rezko trial has made Blago, Levine, Kjellander, Cellini, Kelly and Cari all look worse than they are already publicly (and privately) perceived. Rezko should cut his losses now by cutting a plea deal, getting less time and allowing Pat Fitz and Co. to move on with other grand juries.
The question Rezko must ask himself is whether or not it’s really worth the money, time and further character disintegration to keep this circus going. If he has the Roger Clemens’ mentality to fight the world when the world looks down on you, then he could be in for a long prison term. And, eventually, a guilty verdict by the jury would still give the feds plenty of ammo with which they could go after Blago and some of his top people.
Comment by Team Sleep Monday, May 5, 08 @ 12:03 pm
===Why so long a break before closing arguments?===
That’s fairly standard, I think. Both sides will file motions for several days.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, May 5, 08 @ 12:04 pm
okay, i’m just tuning in to this today…
so, does everyone think he already made a deal, and that’s why they’re not calling defense witnesses?
why in the world would you not call witnesses??
bizarre, yes?
Comment by dupage progressive Monday, May 5, 08 @ 12:09 pm
I think he’s going to roll the dice and take his chances with the jury. He’s a gambler. High risk, high reward.
The fact that he returned from Syria to face indictment shows he thinks he had a chance. All the heavies that testified against him had immunity or were scumbags who had cut deals. Duffy’s going to pound that hard with the jury. Rightly or wrongly, he may have interpreted the judge’s move to grant bail as a sign she thought the prosecution was weak.
If convicted, he still has a chance to reduce his time by flipping then.
Also, I’ve been very curious about his business dealings in Iraq during our sad adventure there. There have been billions upon billions of taxpayer dollars poured into projects in Iraq that stink to high heaven of fraud.
If I can put on my tinfoil hat for a moment, I wonder if he doesn’t have information that the G would find interesting that makes anything in Illinois look like kids stuff — the kind of information that gets you in witness protection, not Club Fed.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, May 5, 08 @ 12:13 pm
===why in the world would you not call witnesses??===
One reason would be that you think the prosecution has such a weak case and that their witnesses were successfully cross-examined so there is no need to call one’s own witnesses.
There could be another reason here, but this defense decision is not completely out of the ordinary.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, May 5, 08 @ 12:13 pm
You might not want to call witnesses because you think you gave the jury enough to think about re reasonable doubt. Remember, Rezko has to prove nothing here, the honus is on the Feds. Also, it can backfire if you present witnesses and the Feds poke holes in them, then it looks like both sides are shading.
Comment by cermak_rd Monday, May 5, 08 @ 12:16 pm
Not putting on a defense worked really well for George Ryan.
Comment by Anon Monday, May 5, 08 @ 12:18 pm
“Bye Bye Elvis” is in the wind……
Comment by you go boy Monday, May 5, 08 @ 12:19 pm
I wish all the very best of luck - may justice prevail.
Comment by VanillaMan Monday, May 5, 08 @ 12:23 pm
Bill, I think you are being a bit optimistic, I think the Ata stuff is enough to avoid a outright dismissal.
Also I think it would have been smart to put Tony on the stand, the jury always likes to hear from the defendant.
Comment by OneMan Monday, May 5, 08 @ 12:24 pm
When the Defense calls a witness (unless they are hostile) they can only ask non-leading questions. By comparison, the Govt would be able to ask leading questions. Most of the dmg Duffy did to the prosecution relied on his ability to ask leading questions. he sets himself up for the same treatment if he calls a witness. So he has to decide if the need for whatever info the witness would present outweighs what the Govt could do to that witness on the stand.
In short he is cutting out the Govt abilties to hammer on his witnesses. While it is not “uncommon” in short criminal trials, it is a bit uncommon in a lenghty trial like this for the Defense to have not a single witness. Not even ones to bring in additional facts or background that calls the govt case into question.
No matter how you instruct that jury, dollars to donuts they think its fishy. I think the Def may get a few of the counts tossed, but the case will go to the jury and they willconvict on at least half if not all the counts is my predicition.
But closing arguments can make or break a case as well.
Comment by Ghost Monday, May 5, 08 @ 12:25 pm
=== I think the Ata stuff is enough to avoid a outright dismissal.===
But here’s the thing: What part of Ata’s testimony related directly to the specific federal charges against Rezko?
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, May 5, 08 @ 12:27 pm
Two further points to consider when it comes to Rezko speculation:
1. While Rezko is finished domestically (in Illinois, in the United States) he clearly has numerous overseas connections. If he rolls over to the feds, then his days as a hustling con-man on the international stage are over, too. He would be shown he cannot be trusted. If he cooperates and gets a reduced sentence or no sentence, how’s he going to make a living when he gets out? Go legit? It’s just not in him. On the other hand, if he does some jail time he can still play on the international stage because he’s proven he can be trusted to keep his mouth shut and do the time.
2. (Picking up a bit on wordslinger’s point): Those overseas connections include London-based, Iraqi billionaire Nadhmi Auchi (source of a $3.8 million wire transfer that Rezko didn’t disclose to Judge St. Eve) and former Iraqi Electricity Minister Aiham Alsammarae (now living in IL, he put up collateral for Rezko’s bond) who is wanted on an Interpol warrant that the U.S. is not enforcing! Curious. So, perhaps another angle in all of this is that come January 2009, as Bush is on his way out the door, some pardons come down. Low-and-behold, one of them is for Rezko. The Iraq War has been an utter fiasco for all but defense contractors and Bush administration cronies. It doesn’t seem so farfetched to think that Auchi and Alsammarae fit into that picture somehow. Worse case, then, maybe Rezko does 6-8 months in jail. He wouldn’t like it, but he can hack shared cotton underwear for that length of time.
Comment by Willie Stark Monday, May 5, 08 @ 12:39 pm
Rich,
Good question, but I think his testimony gives some credibility to Stuart Levine. Enough to prevent the jury or the judge from dismissing Levine’s testimony out of hand.
Comment by OneMan Monday, May 5, 08 @ 12:39 pm
It’s hard to defend the indefensible as George Ryan’s all-star defense team found out. Duffy’s cross examination and impeachment of the witness credibility apparently was the only defense available.
It appears to me the evidence is overwhelming that Rezco comitted crimes. The only question is how credible the jury believes the witnesses were. Since there was corroboration about various events from multiple sources, the jury will likely find Rezco guilty of something, but maybe not on all counts.
Flipping Rezco and/or Kelly seems cirtical to indicting the Governor. They seem to be the primary people - the “buffers” who can put Blago at the heart of their conspiracies. Without testimony from Rezco and/or Kelly the e3vidence agaisnt circumstantial.
Comment by Captain America Monday, May 5, 08 @ 12:40 pm
===Why so long a break before closing arguments?
That’s fairly standard, I think. Both sides will file motions for several days.===
The main reason is because the attorneys have to fight over the jury instructions. These are worked out and the jury comes back to get closing arguments and after receiving instructions from the judge, they immediatly retire to deliberation.
Comment by Bud Man Monday, May 5, 08 @ 12:58 pm
What are the expectations at sentencing if Rezko is found guilty? If it is less than a year or two he may not flip. If it goes farther, 5-6 7-10, he will flip. What is the professional opinion on this?
Comment by Been There Monday, May 5, 08 @ 12:58 pm
Rezko walks, Blago and the Combine win, back to business as usual in good old Illinois.
Comment by iMAGINE Monday, May 5, 08 @ 1:00 pm
Bill, God love ya for your optimism. I thought Blago had lost you there for a few months. Glad to see you’re back stronger than ever.
Comment by Little Egypt Monday, May 5, 08 @ 1:01 pm
There were the wiretaps. I am a pretty average joe schmoe and what I have heard and read makes me think he is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Has any one looked at Patrick Fitzgeralds conviction rate? I believe there is little to no chance Rezko walks.
Comment by Leigh Monday, May 5, 08 @ 1:07 pm
“Captain America” Quick (and without Google) what is Rezko even charged with? Time’s up. Admit you don’t know. There’s no shame in it, neither does Tony Rezko.
The truth of the matter is that Fitzgerald’s office charged Rezko when they knew he was in Syria, never intending to bring the case to trial — other than in absentia. No one expected him to actually come back. They did it to establish new “crimes” to prosecute the other “co-schemers” with, like Chris Kelly and Vrdolyak.
Of course, the federal government always wins, no matter how weak their case is — because juries are filled with people like you who have been reading about “corruption” in the Tribune for years.
After they win, they will issue new indictments against Kelly and Vrdolyak based on the new “law” that they’ve created in this ridiculous case. And the compliant judges in the Northern District will go right along with it. And the newest “Hero of the People,” Ann Williams, will affirm it.
Pretty soon, the requirement that federal prosecutors attend law school will be abolished. There’s no need for it, when you can simply make up your own laws as you go along.
Comment by Anon Monday, May 5, 08 @ 1:10 pm
Who could Rezko’s lawyers call as expert witnesses? George Ryan? Scott Falwell? Rezko is using the Richard Nixon defense ‘I am not a crook!’ Look how well it worked for him…
Comment by Belle Monday, May 5, 08 @ 1:12 pm
At this point, there’s no need for anyone to “flip” or do anything else. They could indict the governor tomorrow for any number of campaign finance violations that I’m sure they can manufacture easily enough. They’re just prosecuting Tony Rezko and the rest of the “kitchen cabinet” for their own entertainment at this point — just because they consider them bad actors.
Comment by Anon Monday, May 5, 08 @ 1:14 pm
Anon-
He’s charged with attempted extortion and attempted bribery, conpsiracy, and, I believe, grand larceny. In a sperate case, he’s accused of fraud and tax evasion. And that’s without Google.
Go back to work in the JRT or the Capitol and try to figure out to get your boss out of this mess he’s in. Good luck with all of that!
Comment by Bud Man Monday, May 5, 08 @ 1:23 pm
Everybody calm down. We’ll know soon enough how this works out. No sense in arguing over predictions.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, May 5, 08 @ 1:28 pm
“We do not believe the government has met their burden in proving its charges against Mr. Rezko,” Duffy said. “Plain and simple.”
That is a VERY risky strategy. I have been following the reporting closely and he did do a good job of attacking the credibility of the witnesses. But, look at all of the mob trials where we had even nastier human beings and the jury buyed what they were selling, sometimes even though the nasty witnesess was getting a walk.
At the very least, character witnesses would have been advisable to establish that Tony was really a nice guy and would never do these things. As was noted in an earlier post, there is rarely a downside to expert witnesses for the defense either. All they can do is shed further light on the defficiencies of the G’s case.
I think this decision speaks volumes about TR’s intention to cut a deal. Right now, me thinks they are using the press to negotiate. Maybe tomorrow, numerous pieces will be written talking about the weakness of the case. TV reports will raise the same doubts. Maybe the G will get a little nervous about the negative PR, and compromise slightly more than they otherwise might have.
The only other rational explanation is that TR is running out of money and Duffy doesn’t feel like presenting the defense pro bono. Time will tell if I’m completely off base.
Comment by Bud Man Monday, May 5, 08 @ 1:36 pm
It’s just a show trial to begin the effort to get Blago. Flipping Tony would be icing on the cake. How else would you explain a less than stellar case presented against Rezko by P Fitz? Last time I checked, Fitz didn’t mail in efforts to prove a persons guilt.
Comment by Dirt Guy Monday, May 5, 08 @ 1:51 pm
===How else would you explain a less than stellar case presented against Rezko by P Fitz? ===
Patrick Collins’ move to the private sector. He was the real brains and talent in that outfit.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, May 5, 08 @ 1:54 pm
It is also possible that it was less than stellar because they didn’t have any evidence.
Comment by Bill Monday, May 5, 08 @ 1:57 pm
lol
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, May 5, 08 @ 1:59 pm
How many times in public corruption cases will the defense claim the prosecution has no case, put on no case themselves and then get creamed? I think we’ve seen this show before and no how it ends…
Comment by Chicago Cynic Monday, May 5, 08 @ 2:00 pm
To Bill: Dude, you are in serious downhill denial. I’d get help, man.
Comment by If It Walks Like a Duck... Monday, May 5, 08 @ 2:13 pm
Good point you raise Mr. Miller.
Comment by Dirt Guy Monday, May 5, 08 @ 2:17 pm
This is a tough one to predict. Based upon the testimony of two questionable witnesses who just happen to coroborate each other, there is much apparent guilt. The question is: are these witnesses credible in the eyes of the law? What is the standard for this type of trial? Is it “preponderance of evidence” or “beyond a reasonable doubt”? The standard of proof may make a big difference in what the judge might rule in response to a motion to dismiss.
Comment by One of the 35 Monday, May 5, 08 @ 2:17 pm
How does Daley skate on all this? Didn’t Rezko get his start on city affordable housing contracts?
Comment by Let's get lawyered up! Monday, May 5, 08 @ 2:22 pm
Bill;
You called Rezko “Dirty Tony” - Just curious as to what your criteria is to be called “Dirty”…
Thanks in advance
Comment by North of I-80 Monday, May 5, 08 @ 2:29 pm
Criminal Felony: beyound a reasonable doubt. prepoderance of the evidence is an administrative hearing standard which is below more likely then not. I think you mean more likely then not, which is, generaly speaking, the civil standard.
Comment by Ghost Monday, May 5, 08 @ 2:31 pm
The real crime is that the loyal, informed readers of Capital Fax have no outlet to wager real money or fake money on the outcome of this trial, or any other burning issue for that matter. There are many free (and fun) sites that allow for this (NewsFutures, Inkling Markets, InTrade) to be widget’ed into another site.
C’mon Rich, this is Illinois! Give us the entertaining option to show our lack of faith in state government!
Comment by Prediction a Crime Monday, May 5, 08 @ 2:41 pm
Betting money on whether a person goes to prison for several years or not seems a bit crass to me.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, May 5, 08 @ 2:42 pm
Oh Lord, I can’t believe I typed “and no how it ends.” Doh! Let’s try that again.
How many times in public corruption cases will the defense claim the prosecution has no case, put on no case themselves and then get creamed? I think we’ve seen this show before and know how it ends…
Comment by Chicago Cynic Monday, May 5, 08 @ 2:46 pm
For those keeping score, this guy….Mustafa Abdalla, 52, a $79,800 CMS administrator hired in 2005, after Rumman’s departure, offered $350,000 in Libertyville property….. managed the Team Services giveaway.
That was the phony deal where someone was selling namnig rights and the state was making millions.
Young, 50, was hired as an intern at $45,000 in June 2003 and now is paid $69,800 as a Department of Employment Security manager.
Neither Abdalla nor Young, who divorced in 2006, returned calls seeking comment.
Comment by Wild Bill Monday, May 5, 08 @ 2:47 pm
Mr. Rezko has not admitted guilt to any crime. He associates with successful people. He associates with Honorable people, too, e.g., Hon. Barack Obama, Hon. Rod Blagojevich. Do we condemn him for doing business with these people? He should get an apology for having his name sullied, and his associations called into question. It is those of us who mock him who should be tried for slander. Money creates power and power creates influence, that is America and that is Illinois. What’s the problem here?
Comment by anon Monday, May 5, 08 @ 2:55 pm
Anon, you did not just try and use Rezko’s association with Blago as prove of his innocence? I hope your not on state time right now. If he is found innocent so be it, but you could not present a weaker or more suspect argument.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, May 5, 08 @ 3:02 pm
I think that was snark. At least partially.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, May 5, 08 @ 3:03 pm
To Bud Man
== He’s charged with attempted extortion and attempted bribery, conpsiracy, and, I believe, grand larceny. ==
Ooh, 1 out of 4. 25% right. 75% wrong.
Instead, he’s charged with the usual: Mail fraud and wire fraud (for “causing” a telephone conversation between Levine and Investment Firm __; for “causing” Investment firm ___ to send a letter to Individual ___, etc. etc.). Ridiculous stuff, even for this prosecutor’s office — which is the reason for my criticism, and not that I work for the governor, or any government agency.
For the record, I dislike the current governor because I think he’s a total and complete [MILLER: No swearing in comments, please]. But the remedy for having elected a complete [again, deleted by Miller] (twice, no less) is to remove him from office — either by way of impeachment, recall or an actual election in which somenone else replaces him.
Of course, there is no way under the sun that democracy will actually be allowed to run its course — not when the same result can be achieved by federal fiat (and with prison time, too!)
I think it’s simply asinine that unelected federal prosecutors — each of whom have ambitions of their own — seek glory (and career advancement) by way of the Tribune by completely undermining our system of laws by simply making things up as they go along.
This prosecution should have ended with Stuart Levine — who was the one abusing his appointed office. But then we wouldn’t have had a Spring filled with weeks of prosecutorial glories which — just so happen — to be of interest to the national press.
When federal prosecutors are routinely tried for abusing their office by using it to advance their own careers, we can consider the system fair. Until then, it’s absolutely unfair. And un-American.
Comment by Anon Monday, May 5, 08 @ 3:09 pm
You gotta laugh at all the witness deal cutting……couldn’t they have found one clean witness? Using criminals to try and convict an alleged criminal…..sad.
Comment by reasonable 1 Monday, May 5, 08 @ 3:14 pm
Criminals work with criminals. Can’t call Cindy Canary to the stand to talk about what Rezko did. You need the scumbags to bust the scumbags. That’s how it works.
Comment by Truth Monday, May 5, 08 @ 3:33 pm
- reasonable 1 -
I think it is an indictment of the Guv that they couldn’t find one clean witness. The prosecutors only called associates of Blago to the witness stand.
Comment by Dirt Guy Monday, May 5, 08 @ 3:38 pm
As the prosecution will argue: “We didn’t pick these witnesses, Mr. Rezko selected them.” And last I checked, it was Juries who determine if charges are proven or not proven, and independent Judges who preside to ensure fairness. Attacking the prosecutors from the US Attorney’s Office in Chicago,considered the best in the nation over at least 30 years, is not a credible position. And the US Attorneys are selected by the elected President, and confirmed by the elected U.S. Senate. Can you imagine what a mess this area would be in without the Chicago US Attorney?
Comment by Legal Eagle Monday, May 5, 08 @ 3:39 pm
Anon:
-This prosecution should have ended with Stuart Levine — who was the one abusing his appointed office. -
So, in your estimation, Blago, isn’t abusing his elected office by taking thousands, no millions of dollars in his campaign fund and handing out millions of dollars in contracts, jobs and appointments? All to get him re-elected or even elected President? Plleeaazzee!
Comment by Crystal Clear Monday, May 5, 08 @ 3:48 pm
I heard that the Government has another charge waiting in the wings for Rezko in the event that he walks in this case. That might be an impetus for him to consider a deal, but one would think that he would have flipped before his name got sullied for months in the press. As to whether he would take his chances with a jury and not sing to reduce his sentence, consider the fact that he moved financial heavens and earths just to stay out of jail during the trial.
Having said all that, I agree with Anon that the federal prosecutors can indict and convict politicians and political figures on just about any subject. The Sorich prosecution and the appellate decision are simply deplorable. Those men were convicted of doing their job within a system designed by others and in a way that didn’t inure to their financial benefit. The Rezko case is arguably worse because there’s testimony about a desire to profit off of government, but precious little testimony about Rezko actually pocketing bribes or anything like bribes. These cases don’t promote clean government, they promote people not working in government at all. Why take the chance?
Comment by chiatty Monday, May 5, 08 @ 3:50 pm
Dirt Guy-
Even I come to find out every now and then that someone I knew has done something wrong. We can’t know every move our friends make.
Legal Eagle-
I’m not attacking anyone, but it’s one thing to testify to the truth about something, another to plea bargain to testify to the truth about something. Surely you understand the difference.
Comment by reasonable 1 Monday, May 5, 08 @ 3:52 pm
Let’s cut to the chase here. When do I get to grab the mike and say, “Elvis has left the Bldg”!
Comment by Gimme the mike... Monday, May 5, 08 @ 4:35 pm
Argueing about the witnesses makes for good entertainment but look between the lines to find out that despite what is considered by some to be a less than perfect case, there are things that point to something fishy. For instance, why would Lon Monk, who was the man to see at the Capital for everything Blago, have any reason to have 250+ phone calls with Rezko if Tony was not a. directing his activities, b. planning more fund-raising or c. talking about hiring and governing? It’s not like they were planning dinner together or hosting a party.
Comment by Disgusted Monday, May 5, 08 @ 5:48 pm
chiatty,
I’ve always thought the “Sorich is the victim of the system” defense was rather absurd. Mr. Sorich and his assistants knowingly broke laws for the purposes of manipulating the political goals and consolidating political favors for their bosses. Without those convictions, the judical system would have effectively sanctioned a system that is unfair, unjust, and undemocratic.
How many qualified candidates previously never considered government service because of the rigged hiring systems in Chicago and Cook politics? These court decisions shouldn’t discourage government service…they should open doors to people who previously felt disenfranchised by an overtly political system.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, May 5, 08 @ 5:56 pm
We don’t need proof of Mr. Rezko’s innocence. We need proof of his guilt.
Comment by anon Monday, May 5, 08 @ 6:02 pm
-anon-
He shaved off his moustache for trial = what more proof is needed?
Comment by A Citizen Monday, May 5, 08 @ 6:10 pm
Stuart Levine considered himself an accomplished political fixer, but he said he had never partnered up with anyone quite as skilled at the dark art as Antoin “Tony” Rezko, then a top fundraiser to Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
Comment by MouthofBabes.. Monday, May 5, 08 @ 6:24 pm
Whether or not these charges stick, and we’ll just have to wait and see if they do, Tony has another trial ahead. The pizza trial may be harder to beat the rap at given the cooperation of Ata and others.
Comment by Also Disgusted Monday, May 5, 08 @ 6:27 pm
Alright let’s not forget that this is the first of all of these- trials I mean.
Cari- Pled Guilty
Levine- Pled Guilty
Glennon- Pled Guilty
Loren- Pled Guilty
Keiferbaum- Pled Guilty
So far the only two guys to pled innocent are Rezko and Hurtgen
Now what’s coming: Well how about Blago, Cellini and Kjellander?
Remember Cellini was called co-schemer. Kjellander put a deal to getehr with Hurtgen and Rezko that paid out over $800,000 to Kjellander and Rezko (Kjellander droped off the money to a Rezko “front” company)- all this stuff is in the indictments.
This is just the beggining not the end…
Comment by GofGlenview Monday, May 5, 08 @ 6:33 pm
BTW I agree about the moustache- I mean what innocent man would shave
Comment by GofGlenview Monday, May 5, 08 @ 6:35 pm
- GofGlenview -
Absolutely! That’s my point. And If I grew one it would be gray, white and reddish. I would never shave off such a fine brush! Definitely guilty.
Comment by A Citizen Monday, May 5, 08 @ 6:40 pm
…in a way that didn’t inure to their financial benefit…
Oh, really?
How much were they paid? Would they have been paid as much if they did not break laws to protect the boss? Would they even have had a job if they did not break laws to protect the boss?
Comment by Horse Inure Monday, May 5, 08 @ 7:23 pm
Tony Rezko has other trials to worry about dealing with his pizza business. Unless he wants serious prison time he will plead.
Why would he want to stick his neck out for Blago, whom threw Rezko under the bus so fast in the fall 06′ and claimed he wasn’t close to him etc…
The deal will go back and forth between Duffy (who is to arrogant) and the G this week. And just for fun say Rezko gets off…..thats bad news for Chris Kelly.
The G has a ton on the administration and this is just the beginning.
Comment by scoot Monday, May 5, 08 @ 10:57 pm