Judge won't delay Rezko fraud trial

The Chicago Sun-Times reports:

A federal judge refused Tuesday to delay the fraud trial of businessman Antoin ''Tony'' Rezko, a key fundraiser for Gov. Rod Blagojevich and other Illinois politicians.

U.S. District Judge Amy J. St. Eve told defense attorneys that they have enough time to prepare for the trial scheduled to start Feb. 25 even though they are still sorting through 1.5 million documents in the case.


Rezko has pleaded not guilty to charges that he joined with another major political fundraiser, businessman-attorney Stuart Levine, to shake down money management companies wanting to invest state pension funds.

Rezko is charged in a separate case with defrauding the General Electric Capital Corp. out of $10 million.

Levine, who also contributed to Blagojevich's campaign, has pleaded guilty to the charges, and prosecutors say they will call him to the stand.

St. Eve set a deadline of Feb. 1 after which Rezko will no longer be eligible for a sentencing break for pleading guilty in a timely way.

But Rezko defense attorney William P. Ziegelmueller indicated that his client, a real estate developer and fast-food entrepreneur, is determined to go to trial. Potential jurors are to come in for screening on Jan. 23.

Defense attorneys are hoping St. Eve asks jurors whether they are prejudiced against people of Mideastern descent. Rezko was born in Syria.

They also want to know something about the political views of jurors.

''This case is about politics -- there's no other way around it,'' Ziegelmueller told the judge.

Blagojevich has been accused of no wrongdoing, although not only Rezko but another leading member of the governor's inner circle, roofing contractor Chris Kelly, is also under federal indictment.

The Kelly indictment charges tax fraud and does not touch on politics.

No word yet on whether Barack Obama will be a character witness for Tony Rezko.