Latest Post | Last 10 Posts | Archives
Previous Post: *** UPDATED x1 *** Worst. Story. Ever.
Next Post: Reader comments closed for the weekend
Posted in:
* 3:49 pm - One chapter ends…
Antoine “Tony” Rezko has plead guilty to a 2006 charge of defrauding GE Capitol out of $10 million in loans for Rezko Enterprises and his Papa John’s Pizza restaurants.
The one-time confidant of Rod Blagojevich appeared in federal court Friday before Judge James B. Zagel wearing a federal prison uniform and leg shackels.
Rezko has been imprisoned at an undisclosed Wisconsin county jail since June 2008 on charges stemming from his association with the former Illinois governor.
He faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Federal prosecutors are expected to drop the additional counts against Rezko in exchange for his guilty plea.
[Judge James Zagel] said federal guidelines call for sentence of at least eight years and one month.
There was no official plea agreement, so prosecutors remain mum on whether he will appear as a witness in the second trial of Rod Blagojevich. Defense attorney Joseph Duffy said Rezko is “ready, able and willing” to testify against Blagojevich and would be a “formidable witness.”
Rezko’s next court date will be December 17, but there is still no indication when he will be sentenced for either of his two cases.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Oct 1, 10 @ 3:49 pm
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
Previous Post: *** UPDATED x1 *** Worst. Story. Ever.
Next Post: Reader comments closed for the weekend
WordPress Mobile Edition available at alexking.org.
powered by WordPress.
Is this the same Zagel who presided over Robert Blagojavich’s trial? I can’t imagine why Alexi would loan money to this guy (semi-snark off)
Comment by Wumpus Friday, Oct 1, 10 @ 3:51 pm
The shackles and Wisconsin county jail incarceration lead me to believe that Tony really didn’t play his cards that well with the federales.
Especially now that he is “ready, willing, and able” to testify against Blago, and that he’ll be “formidable.”
And a pox on GE Capital for lending $10 million to produce revolting Papa John’s Pizza!
Comment by wordslinger Friday, Oct 1, 10 @ 4:01 pm
It might be Blago’s worst nightmare to get a re-trial and now face Rezko’s testimony. I’d like to hear about things the ex-gov never got charged with, like selling seats on various boards and what Rezko had to give to get the Oasis deals on the tollway for his fast food joints. Those are the crimes our persecuted ex-gov got away with and will never be charged with.
Comment by Stooges Friday, Oct 1, 10 @ 4:02 pm
RE: “ready, willing, and able” to testify against Blagojevich.
I wonder if he means Blagojevich in the singular or does he mean Blagojevichs in the plural (just Rod or does he also mean Patty)? If this was an accurate quote, it might be interpreted by some that Mr. Duffy could possibly be implying that “she is as pure as the driven snow”? And, she just might be? If the Feds don’t go after her, that is what many of us will believe.
Comment by Cool Hand Luke Friday, Oct 1, 10 @ 4:02 pm
That sound you may have heard was Blagojevich’s hair depoofing and retreating a bit in fear.
Comment by Anon Friday, Oct 1, 10 @ 4:07 pm
Sha na na na, Hey hey hey, goodbye Rod…..
Comment by Rahm's Parking Meter Friday, Oct 1, 10 @ 4:08 pm
I guess the Feds finally got what they needed from Rezko to finish off Blagojevich. Interesting to see if he does testify for the government. And if charges come against Patti afterwards.
Comment by Wensicia Friday, Oct 1, 10 @ 4:46 pm
“It might be Blago’s worst nightmare to get a re-trial and now face Rezko’s testimony.”
I’d imagine that Blago isn’t the only one who will get nightmares from this.
Comment by hisgirlfriday Friday, Oct 1, 10 @ 4:50 pm