A fundraiser and political confidant for Gov. Rod Blagojevich was taken into custody without incident Thursday on charges of fraud and extortion, federal officials said.The Illinois Way.
FBI agents picked up Antoin "Tony" Rezko, 51, at O'Hare International Airport without incident, Randall Samborn, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office told reporters.
Rezko who has been described by Blagojevich as a friend as well as a fundraiser, was due to appear Thursday afternoon before U.S. District Judge Charles P. Kocoras to answer charges that he fraudulently obtained $10 million in loans from General Electric Capital Corp.
The indictment unsealed last week also charges Rezko with swindling investors in two pizza restaurants.
Rezko is charged in a separate indictment with working with millionaire campaign contributor Stuart Levine to squeeze investment firms seeking state business for kickbacks.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Illinois Governor's fundraiser arrested at O'Hare by FBI agents
The AP reports:
