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| Feds may indict Ill. Gov. Blagojevich |
| 2008-09-26 |
| CHICAGO, Sept. 25 (UPI) -- U.S. federal agents say they have enough evidence to indict Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich for fraud and conspiracy, WBBM-TV, Chicago, reported Thursday. The CBS-owned station also said an indictment of Blagojevich, the first Democrat elected to Illinois' governorship in 30 years, was "not imminent." Neither the FBI, U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald nor Blagojevich's office had any immediate comment on the report. Fitzgerald's office said June 30, 2006, it was looking into "very serious allegations of endemic hiring fraud" in the Blagojevich administration. Prosecutors also mentioned Blagojevich in an indictment as the intended beneficiary of at least one extortion attempt by Blagojevich fundraiser and businessmen Antoin "Tony" Rezko. Rezko was convicted June 4 on 16 of the 24 counts against him. He awaits sentencing in October on mail and wire fraud, aiding and abetting bribery and money laundering convictions. He still faces two more trials. The Chicago Sun-Times has reported Rezko could cut his prison time significantly by cooperating in investigations of other public figures, including Blagojevich. But Rezko lawyer Joseph Duffy called the idea of his client's involvement in other prosecutions "bogus." |
| Posted by:Steve White |
| #10 So they have enough evidence, but not going to indict? Why? Cause he's a Dem?!? |
| Posted by: bigjim-ky 2008-09-26 21:47 |
| #9 We may get a Fitzmas after all. |
| Posted by: Kirk 2008-09-26 19:51 |
| #8 "Rezko could cut his prison time significantly by cooperating in investigations of other public figures...." Don't tease me..... |
| Posted by: Bugs Grusoting5332 2008-09-26 15:48 |
| #7 This has been building for a while. Blago also goes by the street name "unindited (as of yet) co conspirator B" during the Rezko trial. Once Tony flips, Blago gets his turn on the stand. What many outside of Chicago don't know is Blago thought HE was to be the new annointed one heading for the White House as recently as 2002. Rezko was placing multiple bets by bankrolling both Blago and Obama at the same time. You better flip, Tony, before sentencing, or we will see you in 2020. |
| Posted by: Capsu 78 2008-09-26 13:33 |
| #6 Illinois prisons are once again running low on Gubernatorial inmates. Only George Ryan remains in jail. Otto Kerner, Jr. was convicted of bribery and other charges and sentenced to three years in prison, but was released early when he developed terminal cancer and passed away in 1976. Daniel Walker served 18 months of a seven year sentence and remains with us, as far as I know. Pack a smallish bag Governor Blagoveich. Joliet will furnish most of what you need. |
| Posted by: Besoeker 2008-09-26 10:19 |
| #5 Isn't this the usual final step in the life cycle process of any Illinois governor? |
| Posted by: tu3031 2008-09-26 10:11 |
| #4 Is this the October Surprise Clinton's minions were hinting at during the primary season? |
| Posted by: no mo uro 2008-09-26 05:45 |
| #3 Indict a CHICAGO DEMOCRAT tied to The One on the eve of an election? Wouldn't look good if Barry had to testify in open court or even to a Grand Jury before the election, now would it? |
| Posted by: Flasing Peacock1611 2008-09-26 02:35 |
| #2 "My client ain't no rat, see?" |
| Posted by: mojo 2008-09-26 01:28 |
| #1 I wonder what this could be tied to? |
| Posted by: newc 2008-09-26 00:32 |