| Rezko Guilty of 16 Counts in Corruption Case PlusRezko Guilty of 16 Counts in Corruption CaseRezko Guilty of 16 Counts in Corruption CaseThe Associated PressTony Rezko, a prominent fundraiser for Sen. Barack Obama and Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevic was convicted of fraud and money laundering after a federal trial that gave a glimpse of the pay-to-play politics that has made Illinois infamous. (June 4)[Notes:VO --REZKO WALKING INTO COURT] FOLLOWING A 9-WEEK TRIAL --- JURORS FOUND ILLINOIS POWERBROKER TONY REZKO -- SEEN HERE WEARING A COAT AND TIE --- GUILTY OF FEDERAL FRAUD, MONEY LAUNDERING AND BRIBERY CHARGES. [Notes:SOT -- PATRICK FITZGERALD/U.S. ATTORNEY]anyone who followed the trial of the last couple of months had to be appalled by the conduct that was involved....and we're very gratified that the jury took the time and the effort and care to step up and sort through the evidence...and come to a verdict. [Notes:VO - TRIAL SKETCHES] JURORS FOUND REZKO GUILTY ON 16 OF 24 COUNTS -- INCLUDING SCHEMING TO GET KICKBACKS FROM COMPANIES SEEKING STATE BUSINESS.BUT HE WAS ACQUITTED ON 8 CHARGES --- INCLUDING ATTEMPTED EXTORTION. [Notes:SOT --PATRICK FITZGERALD/U.S. ATTORNEY]16 times a jury agreed with us....obviously we're gratified by that and respect the verdict...on those counts...on the eight counts where the jurors disagreed with us...we equally respect the verdict. That's our system.DURING THE TRIAL -- REZKO'S ATTORNEYS ARGUED THE GOVERNMENT HAD LITTLE EVIDENCE TYING HIM TO CORRUPTION -- AND SAID THE PROSECUTION'S STAR WITNESS WASN'T CREDIBLE BECAUSE YEARS OF DRUG USE HAD DAMAGED HIS MEMORY. [Notes:SOT-- JOSEPH DUFFY/DEFENSE ATTORNEY] We strongly believe in mr. Rezko's innocence...as does he....and it's our intention to pursue...certain matters...and post trial motions and file an appeal. [Notes:VO--FILE OF OBAMA]TESTIMONY BARELY TOUCHED ON REZKO'S RELATIONSHIP WITH BARACK OBAMA -- ALTHOUGH THEY'VE KNOWN EACH OTHER FOR YEARS -- AND THE TWO WERE INVOLVED IN A REAL ESTATE DEAL THREE YEARS AGO. [Notes:VO -- PHOTO OF ILLINOIS GOVERNOR] MOST OF THE FOCUS WAS ON SHAKEDOWNS PROSECUTORS SAID REZKO PERFORMED AS A TOP ADVISOR FOR THE STATE'S GOVERNOR. [Notes:SOT -- JUROR]In terms of Senator Obama....we didn't hear anything new....we heard a whole lot new about rezko and governor blagojevich and his administration. [Notes:VO -- SHOTS OF OBAMA AND GOVERNOR] NEITHER OBAMA NOR THE GOVERNOR HAS BEEN ACCUSED OF ANY WRONGDOING. [Notes:VO--SHOTS OF REZKO]MEANWHILE ---- REZKO WAS IMMEDIATELY TAKEN INTO CUSTODY FOLLOWING THE VERDICT.HIS SENTENCING IS SCHEDULED FOR EARLY SEPTEMBER. ___ ___, The Associated Press. Tags: fundraiser trial rezko guilty 16 counts corruption case |