Rezko's Attorneys Question Timing Of Revealing Rezko's Access To Funds

CBS New Radio Chicago reports:

Businessman Tony Rezko has been ordered to stay in federal custody while he waits for his corruption trial to begin next month - the judge saying Rezko's newly-revealed access to money makes him a flight risk.

Prosecutors this week asked for Rezko's detention based on information about his access to money from abroad. But, as WBBM's Steve Miller reports, Rezko's defense is questioning the timing.

Why now? Rezko's lawyers want to know.

Rezko has been free on bond - but why now, a month before his trial as his attorneys work with him on a defense case - why has the government sprung news about payments to Rezko from abroad.

Prosecutors disclosed Rezko received $3.5 million from an Iraqi billionaire while claiming to be broke. He was jailed on Monday and a federal judge on Tuesday refused to reinstate his bond.

It’s information that defense attorney Joseph Duffy says prosecutors have known about for months.

"The government sat on this, and 30 days before a trial, an extremely complex case, they have now taken the defendant away from his lawyers, and we're not going to be able to prepare for this trial."

Rezko appeared in federal court in an orange prison suit and leg shackles.

Antoin "Tony" Rezko is a real estate developer and fast-food magnate who has been a long time political figure in Chicago.

He is a former advisor and fundraiser for Illinois politicians, including Senator Barack Obama and Governor Rod Blagojevich, neither of whom is accused of wrongdoing.

Prosecutors have charged Rezko with fraud, attempted extortion and money laundering in what they allege was a scheme to get campaign money and payoffs from firms seeking to do business before two state boards.

Maybe if Tony Rezko did less traveling the last couple of years,he might have had more time to prepare for his trial.