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* Tony Rezko wants to be sentenced soon…
Antoin “Tony” Rezko’s frustration over months in solitary confinement came to a boil [last] week as his attorneys filed a motion for the judge in his corruption case to immediately set a sentencing date for the convicted political fundraiser.
Sentencing had been put off in early October while Rezko’s lawyers and prosecutors discussed his potential cooperation in the federal investigation into possible pay-to-play schemes in the administration of Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Despite his possible willingness to aid the government, Rezko has remained in isolation at Chicago’s Metropolitan Correctional Center downtown, locked in a cell 23 hours a day.
“Mr. Rezko has remained in solitary confinement at the MCC since June 4, 2008, the day of the jury’s verdict, and can no longer agree to delay sentencing,” the new motion states, asking U.S. District Judge Amy St. Eve to set the earliest possible date to hand down Rezko’s punishment.
* The Sun-Times theorizes…
If Rezko signed on to cooperate with the government, he more than likely would not be sentenced until after his cooperation was completed. That usually involves testifying before a grand jury or at trial. […]
Sources say there have been some hangups in talks with Rezko, and the government suspects he’s attempting to minimize his role in the potential wrongdoing he’s telling them about.
They say the latest request may be a game of chicken, with Rezko trying for better accommodations if he’s to continue cooperating.
* But the Tribune’s sources are a little more cautious…
The motion raises questions about the status of talks between Rezko and the government and casts doubt on whether the sides ever will reach an agreement that would make Rezko a witness at future political corruption trials. But the motion is not necessarily thought to be a death knell for negotiations, sources said.
* Meanwhile, the Sun-Times takes a closer look at self-proclaimed reformer Bill Singer’s involvement with Eddie Vrdolyak…
As a brash, young lawyer in 1969, William Singer became a champion of Chicago’s lakefront liberals by defeating the late Mayor Richard J. Daley’s political machine to win a seat on the City Council.
These days, Singer finds himself in the uncomfortable position of having been involved in a real estate deal with two men who have pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges — former Ald. Edward Vrdolyak and businessman Stuart Levine.
But Singer, 67, hasn’t been charged with any wrongdoing himself. He’s referred to in court documents filed in Vrdyolak’s criminal case, though he’s identified only as “Individual A.”
Singer’s lawyer wouldn’t talk about the deal or the $1.5 million “finder’s fee” that Vrdolyak was supposed to collect from Singer and Singer’s partners at Smithfield Development. Federal authorities say Vrdolyak planned to split the fee with Levine, then a board member for the Chicago Medical School, which was selling the land to Singer’s group.
Still, Singer and his partners made money building and selling 44 luxury condos and 10 town houses on the land they bought with help from Vrdolyak and Levine. The condos sold for as much as $2.6 million. Singer had a 20 percent stake in the project, new court documents, public records, and interviews show
Go read the whole thing.
* Somewhat related…
* Why do 2 politicians need bodyguards? Assignment of cops to Alderman Burke, city treasurer is under fire as police hiring slows
* Obama should keep Patrick Fitzgerald as U.S. attorney
* Peoria Journal Star: Keep Patrick Fitzgerald fighting Illinois’ corruption
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 9:03 am
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I suspect Rezko’s playing chicken, but I’m a little confused. If he is going to cooperate with the feds, shouldn’t he want to stay in solitary? Is he anxious to mingle with inmates who inevitably would know that he’s a rat? In reality, they probably already know he’s been exploring the possibility.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 9:14 am
Looking forward to Sneed defending Burke’s need for a protective detail.
Comment by OneMan Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 9:19 am
What is the rationale for Rezko being in solitary confinement?
Is it standard in cases of white collar criminals awaiting sentencing? White collar criminals who are cooperating with prosecutors?
Rezko shouldn’t get treated any better than other criminals, but he shouldn’t be treated worse either.
Is it standard practice to keep white collar criminals in solitary for extended periods of time? What is the reason for this policy?
Comment by Carl Nyberg Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 9:37 am
Rezko may need to remain in Solitary for his own safety? Without his cooperation, there may be insufficient evidence against the others.
Comment by Ron Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 9:52 am
The chicken analogy is appropriate but remember there are two players. The feds don’t want to give too much because they think Rezco is holding back and Rezco probably doesn’t want to give away his main pals which are the guys the feds want. ie. Kelly and crew. I guess it is a waiting game to see what Obama does with the US Attorney appointment.
Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 10:04 am
Barack has been elected and Tony wants out of solitary…pretty easy to understand if you ask me…maybe Tony feels he has given the Feds enough info and wants a change in of scenery…when is the other shoe gonna drop on POA? How about 1/22/09? Sounds like a reasonable scenario …
Comment by Loop Lady Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 10:21 am
Let’s be clear: they don’t need security, it’s an ego thing. As someone who has (unfortunately) worked for government, it’s amazing to watch people clamor for the “status” of things like a blackberry. Having a chauffeur (erm…bodyguard) paid for by the taxpayers is the ultimate status symbol.
Comment by Cynic Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 12:02 pm
Tony you had better give it up before Chris Kelly does. The feds won’t need you if he starts talking.
Comment by Leave a light on George Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 7:54 pm