Rezko bid for new trial is denied

November 13, 2008|Mike Robinson, Associated Press

CHICAGO - A federal judge yesterday turned down a request for a new trial from convicted influence peddler Tony Rezko, the pivotal figure in a major Illinois political corruption scandal.

Rezko, 53, who made millions as a Chicago real estate developer and fast-food entrepreneur, was a major fund-raiser for Governor Rod Blagojevich, President-elect Barack Obama, and a number of other officials.

Rezko was convicted in June of using his clout with the governor's office to launch a $7 million scheme to squeeze payoffs out of a construction contractor and seven money management firms seeking state business.

US District Judge Amy St. Eve, who presided over the three-month trial, said federal prosecutors proved their case and refused to throw out any of the guilty verdicts.

Rezko was convicted of 12 counts of mail fraud or wire fraud, two counts of aiding and abetting bribery and two counts of money laundering. He was acquitted on eight other counts.

The corruption federal prosecutors are investigating is focused on the executive branch of state government, though Blagojevich has not been charged. The prosecutors' probe has so far had nothing to do with activities on Capitol Hill and Obama has not been accused of any wrongdoing.

Rezko was a major fund-raiser for Obama in his campaigns for the Illinois state legislature, the US House and the US Senate, but he did not raise money in this year's presidential campaign.

St. Eve's decision was expected. It came in response to a request for a new trial that also lays groundwork for Rezko's appeal.

The appeal cannot be filed, however, until Rezko is sentenced.