Rod Blagojevich

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Our Opinion: Fitzgerald getting his message through (Editorial)

November 30, 2011
State Journal Register

GateHouse News Service

    
SPRINGFIELD —
In an op-ed column on this page in September 2009, Scott Fawell complained about the strong-arm tactics the government used in enticing him to testify against former Gov. George Ryan.

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Tony Rezko sentenced to 10-1/2 years in kickback scheme

November 22, 2011
Chicago Sun-Times

BY NATASHA KORECKI Federal Courts Reporter

A federal judge sentenced Tony Rezko to 10 1/2 years in prison Tuesday, describing his actions under Rod Blagojevich’s tenure as “selfish and corrupt.”

Rezko, 56, has already served about 44 months. His daughter burst into tears at hearing the sentence.

U.S. District Judge Amy St. Eve said she found it offensive that Rezko put at risk the Teachers’ Retirement System by scheming for kickbacks with a board member in 2004.
 

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Judge sentences Blagojevich fundraiser Rezko to 10½ years; he will get credit for time served

November 22, 2011
Associated Press

By Associated Press

CHICAGO — A former top fundraiser for Rod Blagojevich was sentenced Tuesday to 10½ years in prison for pressuring businesses for millions in kickbacks, an unusually stiff penalty that could portend a tough day for the former governor when he is sentenced for his own corruption convictions.

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Thank Blagojevich for Cellini's downfall

November 6, 2011
Bloomington Pantagraph

By Kurt Erickson

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Cellini's lawyer takes aim at star witness

October 18, 2011
Chicago Tribune

Cross-examination brings up drug use, memory issues

By Annie Sweeney, Tribune reporter

Whether Stuart Levine comes off as a believable government witness or a drug-addled schemer not to be trusted is a key issue at Springfield power broker William Cellini's trial on charges that he tried to extort a Hollywood producer.

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Cellini witness asked if drug use affected his memory: ‘It’s possible’

October 18, 2011
Chicago Sun-Times

BY NATASHA KORECKI Federal Courts Reporter nkorecki@suntimes.com

The star witness in the trial of Springfield millionaire William Cellini on Monday admitted “it’s possible” that three decades of drug use affected his memory, after detailing drug-fueled parties with male friends and all-day binges that included the witness snorting 10 lines of a potent mix of crystal meth and an animal tranquilizer .

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'Pope' of Illinois politics faces corruption trial

September 30, 2011
CBS News

(AP)  CHICAGO — The former high school teacher-turned-mega millionaire cozied up to successive Illinois governors from both parties, while staying in the shadows and rarely speaking publicly. But so powerful was he behind the scenes that he was referred to in awe as The King of Clout and the pope of Illinois politics.

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Prosecutors spell out more of case against Cellini

September 8, 2011
State Journal Register

By CHRIS WETTERICH
THE STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER

Federal prosecutors have provided more details in their case against Springfield businessman and Republican Party fundraiser William Cellini, serving up new nuggets about what they say was Cellini’s influence over the Teachers Retirement System board and former Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s administration.

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Blagojevich sentencing could face delays

September 8, 2011
Chicago Sun-Times

BY NATASHA KORECKI Federal Courts Reporter 

Rod Blagojevich may have to wait for his day of reckoning.

As it now stands, the former governor’s scheduled sentencing date next month directly conflicts with a trial in a related case.

U.S. District Judge James Zagel set Blagojevich’s sentencing for Oct. 6. However, on Oct. 3, the trial of Springfield power broker William Cellini — which entails allegations involving Blagojevich fund-raisers — is scheduled to start before the same judge and some of the same prosecutors.

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Prosecutors outline case against power broker Cellini

September 7, 2011
Chicago Tribune

Longtime Springfield insider faces corruption, bribery charges

By Annie Sweeney, Tribune reporter

Weeks before longtime state power broker William Cellini is set to stand trial, federal prosecutors detailed evidence they have against him, including statements he allegedly made about what to do if law enforcement closed in and about his decades of navigating Illinois politics.

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