Category Archives: Blagojevich trial

Obama news April 15, 2013, Chicago corruption and TUCC ties haunt Obama, Jacob Kiferbaum Blagojevich Rezko Mutual Bank Jeri Wright, Obama’s ghosts will not go away

Obama news April 15, 2013, Chicago corruption and TUCC ties haunt Obama, Jacob Kiferbaum Blagojevich Rezko Mutual Bank Jeri Wright, Obama’s ghosts will not go away

“Why did the Illinois Senate Health & Human Services Committee, with Obama as chairman, create and push Bill 1332, “Illinois Health Facilities Planning Act,” early in 2003, which reduced the number of members on the Board from 15 to 9, just prior to rigging by Tony Rezko and Rod Blagojevich?”…Citizen Wells

“He kept his eye on the young guys coming up in Trinity,” she said, “and if he spotted someone that acted or looked gay, then Wright would give them kind of a guidance counselor-type direction on how to keep down low – how to do the things they wanted to do, but then also getting married and looking ‘respectable’ – being part of black society.”...WND October 2, 2012

“Why did Donald Young, Bill Gwatney, Christopher Kelly, Andrew Breitbart and others with information about Obama all die under mysterious circumstances?”…Citizen Wells

April or perhaps spring 2013 could be the perfect storm of Obama’s Chicago corruption and TUCC ghosts returning to haunt him and keep alive the sordid mess he came from. The spectre of his oft hidden past.

On April 10, 2013 we learned that Building contractor Jacob Kiferbaum plead guilty to attempted extortion in an amended plea deal. Kiferbaum was indicted in 2005.

Then we learn that Jeri Wright, the daughter of Jeremiah Wright, Obama’s pastor at TUCC, was indicted. She was a deacon in 2007 when Obama was attending and when the gay choirmaster Donald Young was murdered.

From Citizen Wells April 14, 2013.

“Another indictment returned today charges Jeri L. Wright, 47, of Hazel Crest, Ill., with money laundering (two counts), making false statements to federal law enforcement officers (two counts), and giving false testimony before a grand jury (seven counts), related to the investigation of the alleged fraudulent use of grant funds.”

“PASTORAL/PROGRAM STAFF”

“Deacon Jeri L. Wright, Director of Media”

“The Down Low Club at Trinity “doesn’t have meetings, and it isn’t like the Rotary Club,” a source identified for this article as “Carolyn” explained to a WND investigator in Chicago.

“It was more that Wright served as a matchmaker,” said Carolyn, a 20-year member of Trinity who has played a role in church administration and knows the Obamas personally.”

““That’s what Wright did for Obama,” she claimed. “He connected Obama in the community, and he helped Obama hide his homosexuality.””

“I’m still scared to discuss any of this,” Carolyn said.

“At Trinity, if you even hint at talking about Obama being gay, you are reminded of our dear departed choir director,” she said. “He was killed, and it wasn’t a robbery. The Christmas presents weren’t touched. The TV was not taken, nothing in the apartment was missing.”

Carolyn’s reference was to Donald Young, the 47-year-old homosexual choirmaster at Trinity who died of multiple gunshot wounds in his Chicago apartment Dec. 24, 2007.”

Read more:

https://citizenwells.wordpress.com/2013/04/14/obama-tucc-down-low-past-connections-jeri-wright-indictment-donald-young-murder-jeremiah-wright-arranged-marriages-for-gay-members/

I’ll bet you have not read the following connection between Jacob Kiferbaum and Obama at the mainstream media.

From the Blagojevich Evidentiary Proffer.

“Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board Kickback
“The Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board (the “Planning Board”) is a commission of the State of Illinois, established by statute, whose members are appointed by the Governor of the State of Illinois. During the relevant time period, the Planning Board consisted of nine individuals. State law required an entity seeking to build a hospital, medical office building, or other medical facility in Illinois to obtain a permit, known as a “Certificate of Need” (“CON”), from the Planning Board prior to beginning construction.

Rezko was able to obtain significant influence over the affairs of the Planning Board by arranging for Blagojevich to appoint five of Rezko’s associates and/or friends, including Levine, as members of the Planning Board in 2003. Rezko and Levine subsequently agreed to use their influence over the Planning Board to obtain a kickback of at least $1 million from a contractor, Jacob Kiferbaum, who wanted the Planning Board to award Mercy Hospital a CON to build a new
hospital. Rezko and Levine were able to arrange for Mercy Hospital to receive its CON at the April 2004 Planning Board meeting, but their scheme was interrupted by the FBI before any kickback was paid”

http://www.scribd.com/doc/125889580/Blagojevich-Evidentiary-Proffer

Obama was chairman of the IL Senate Committee which reduced the members of the Health Planning Board from 15 to 9 thus allowing the board to be rigged with a 5 member majority.

From Citizen Wells July 27, 2011.

“Jan. – Aug. 2003:  Obama was Chairman of the IL Senate Health and Human Service Committee.
Feb. 20, 2003: Senate Bill 1332 “Illinois Health Facilities Planning Act” filed. Reduced members of IL Health Planning and Facilities Board from 15 to 9.

(Rezko Trial March 13, 2008; 3:09 p.m.)

“Almanaseer was appointed to the planning board in 2003 on Rezko’s recommendation. Prosecutors contend he became part of a five-member voting bloc on the board that followed Rezko’s wishes. Almanaseer said board Chairman Thomas Beck tried to steer his voting.

“He said, ‘If you just don’t know which way to vote, vote the way Mr. Levine votes because that’s the way Tony would want the vote to go,” Almanaseer recalled, referring to Stuart Levine.”

Spring 2003 – Nov 2003: (Rezko trial March 11, 2008; 10:58 a.m.)

“Jennifer Thomas, a former aide to Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s patronage chief Joe Cini, continued on the stand Tuesday morning and gave a few more insights into those regular Monday morning meetings she and Cini held in 2003 with Antoin “Tony” Rezko at his office.”

“Thomas said Rezko floated the names of several people to sit on the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board, which the government claims Rezko corrupted with the help of board member Stuart Levine. And Thomas said Rezko at one point made it clear that he wanted to see Levine reappointed to the panel, which was being overhauled by the governor in 2003.”
May 21, 2003: Senate Bill 1332 passed by House and Senate.
June 27, 2003: Blagojevich made this the effective date of Senate Bill 1332.
June 2003: (Rezko trial March 10, 2008; 4:16 p.m.)

“Ziegelmueller asked Hayden about a 2003 e-mail exchange with Lichtenstein, then the governor’s top lawyer, in which Wilhelm made recommendations for the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board.
The name of Barack Obama, the Democratic front-runner for the presidential nomination, also appears in the e-mail as a member of a strategic team reviewing hospital board matters with the governor’s staff when he was a state senator. The hospital board was scheduled to be revamped in the summer of 2003.
Obama was then chairman of the Senate Committee on Health & Human Services.”

https://citizenwells.wordpress.com/2011/07/27/obama-past-surfaces-again-health-facilities-planning-board-rigging-pam-davis-listening-device/

The long delayed prosecution of Rod Blagojevich and subsequent delay of his appeal should achieve another milestone this month.

“Blagojevich’s appellate lawyer Len Goodman — who, along with attorney Lauren Kaeseberg, is working on the appeal — told POLITICO that Blagojevich’s family visits him “as often as they can make the trip” to Englewood, a low-security facility in Littleton, Colo.”

“And next up for the former governor, Goodman said, is his case on appeal in the 7th Circuit. Blagojevich’s opening brief is due April 25, Goodman noted.

“He is hopeful that his appeal will be successful and that his conviction will be overturned,” Goodman wrote.”

“Goodman, meanwhile, said he is currently busy working his way through thousands of pages of trial transcript as he works on Blagojevich’s appeal.””

Read more:

http://www.politico.com/story/2013/03/rod-blagojevich-jail-88904.html?hp=r6

And yes folks, the fallout from the Obama Rezko lot transaction and associated chicanery is not over. The FDIC lawsuit against Amrish Mahajan and Mutual Bank is still alive.

http://dockets.justia.com/docket/illinois/ilndce/1:2011cv07590/261603/

Read more:

https://citizenwells.wordpress.com/2012/10/25/obama-rezko-lot-transaction-bank-president-mahajan-fdic-lawsuit-motion-hearing-october-25-2012-judge-virginia-m-kendall-rezkos-sold-lot-to-obamas/

Despite what you may have read or heard about the Obama house and lot purchase and not requiring the Rezko’s assistance, the house and lot had to close at the same time and the Rezko’s made it work with the help of Iraqi billionaire Nadhmi Auchi and his wife under highly suspicious circumstances.

Lot’s of spirits and lot’s of opportunities for revelations.

Blagojevich appeal update, March 7, 2013, 10000 pages of delayed trial transcripts, 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, Later in 2013, Fitzgerald US Justice Dept. delayed prosecution

Blagojevich appeal update, March 7, 2013, 10000 pages of delayed trial transcripts, 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, Later in 2013, Fitzgerald US Justice Dept. delayed prosecution

“Why wasn’t Rod Blagojevich, Governor of IL, prosecuted before Tony Rezko, a businessman?”…Citizen Wells

“Why did Colin Powell allow Patrick Fitzgerald to be pulled away from the Blagojevich prosecution?”…Citizen Wells

“Why wasn’t Rod Blagojevich, the Governor of Illinois, wiretapped at least by 2005 when it was known in 2003 that there was widespread corruption in his administration?”…Citizen Wells

Still wondering about the continued delay in the prosecution of Rod Blagojevich, specifically the lengthy delay in his appeal?

Here is one of the reasons.

From Chicago Business March 6, 2013.

“Blagojevich attorney hopes three’s a charm”

“Will three be a charm for Chicago attorney Len Goodman?

He’s on a winning streak that he’s hoping will carry over to his next case — defending former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.”

“The next big case on the criminal defense attorney’s plate is the appeal of Mr. Blagojevich, who is in prison in Colorado following his conviction on corruption charges.

“Right now, I’m just trying to get through 10,000 pages of trial transcripts,” says Mr. Goodman, who is the nephew of Chicago financier Lester Crown.

The case likely will go before the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals later this year.”

Read more:

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20130306/BLOGS03/130309878/blagojevich-attorney-hopes-threes-a-charm

Of course there are other reasons why the appeal of Blagojevich has dragged on so long.

From Citizen Wells January 30, 2013.

“Here is the rest of the story.

Patrick Fitzgerald and the US Justice Department aggressively prosecuted George Ryan.

Patrick Fitzgerald and the US Justice Department, despite the fact that they began wiretaps in late 2003 and had in depth knowledge of corruption in the Rod Blagojevich Administration by 2005 at the latest, delayed the arrest of Blagojevich until after the 2008 election. The production of transcripts required for the Blagojevich appeal were delayed for over half a year by the US Justice Department in 2012, once again delaying the appeal until after the 2012 election.

From Citizen Wells  May 27, 2012.

“Fitzgerald aggressively prosecuted Republican ex Governot of Illinois, George Ryan and unjustly went after Scooter Libby and Karl Rove. Fitzgerald waited until after the 2008 elections to arrest Governor Rod Blagojevich despite the fact that he had details of corruption in the Blagojevich Administration at least by late 2003.

Is Patrick Fitzgerald a pawn, an idiot or corrupt?

From an FBI wiretap:

“You know, Axelrod and Obama’s people, you know, clearly turned, you know, got the Chicago media to make Rezko all about me.”

Late 2003.

Earliest documented awareness by FBI and Patrick Fitzgerald of corruption in Blagojevich admin. Pamela Meyer Davis agreed to secretly record conversations involving state health planning board with an FBI wire.

December 31, 2003 NY Times.

“Mr. Fitzgerald announced that he was prosecuting former Gov. George Ryan, a Republican, in a scandal that had been swirling around long before Mr. Fitzgerald got here and that many people thought would never touch the most powerful politicians in Illinois. But there Mr. Fitzgerald was, a week before Christmas, ticking off the details of a 91-page indictment against Mr. Ryan, seemingly from memory.

That, even Mr. Fitzgerald’s former opponents in the courtroom say, is classic Fitzgerald: dogged, dispassionate and endlessly prepared.”

April 8 – May 21, 2004 (Rezko Trial March 12, 2008; 11:11 a.m.)

“FBI Special Agent Daniel Cain, the primary case agent on the investigation into Levine and Rezko, is on the stand now in testimony that is laying the foundation for entering the wiretaps into evidence.

Cain said the investigation, dubbed Operation Board Games by the federal agents, began in December 2003 and was prompted by information gleaned from an informant whom he did not identify. That witness, he said, took part in meetings with two other individuals who were in contact with Levine by phone at his home.

Cain said Levine had three phone lines in his North Shore home. Federal agents recorded conversations on those lines April 8-May 21, 2004. Those dates span the time when Levine, Rezko and others allegedly were working to rig the hospital board vote on a Mercy Health System hospital proposal for Crystal Lake and other kickback schemes prosecutors claim they were engaged in.”

May 9, 2005.

Stuart Levine indicted on corruption charges. Federal subpoena issued to Tony Rezko.
June 15, 2005.

Obama purchased home next door to Rezko for $1.65 million, $300,000 less than the asking price.
June 15, 2005.

Rita Rezko, Tony’s wife purchased plot next door for $625,000 asking price.

October 25, 2005.

The Chicago Tribune reports about a federal grand jury investigation into the alleged political hiring practices of the Blagojevich administration.

January 2006.

Rita Rezko sells the Obamas one-sixth of her lot for $104,500.

August 5, 2006.

The Chicago Tribune reports that Stuart Levine is cooperating with the federal investigation of state government.”

“December 7, 2008.

Criminal complaint of Blagojevich. Nine individuals is important. Obama helped passed a bill to reduce the number from 15 to 9.

“b. Corruption of the Planning Board”
“At the relevant time period, the Planning Board consisted of nine individuals.”

“Planning Board” (IL Health Facilities Planning Board) is mentioned 31 times.

“Rezko” is mentioned 170 times.

“Hospital” in context of Mercy Hospital mentioned 8 times.
December 9, 2008.

Blagojevich arrested

“Fitzgerald said, “We make no allegations” that Obama was aware of any alleged scheming by Blagojevich.”

February 24, 2011.

Counts 1,2,4 in the Blagojevich Indictment are dropped. This represents approx. half of the indictment and includes numerous corruption ties to Blagojevich and Obama.”

“December 7, 2011.

Rod Blagojevich sentenced to 14 years.

Colin Powell, who has continued to endorse Barack Obama, knew that Scooter Libby and Karl Rove were innocent in the Valerie Plame leak. Yet Powell did not share his knowledge with the Bush Administration and thus allowed Patrick Fitzgerald to continue to investigate and prosecute Libby and Rove.

Why did Colin Powell allow Patrick Fitzgerald to be pulled away from the Blagojevich prosecution?

https://citizenwells.wordpress.com/2013/01/30/george-ryan-released-from-prison-former-il-governor-patrick-fitzgerald-aggressively-prosecuted-ryan-blagojevich-arrest-and-appeal-delayed-past-elections/

From Citizen Wells October 26, 2012.

“FOX Chicago News has learned that Rod Blagojevich’s appeal is still having trouble getting off the ground, because of delays in producing transcripts from his two trials.

For the second time in the last four months, Lauren Kaeseberg, one of the attorney’s handling Rod Blagojevich’s appeal, has been threatened with disciplinary action because she still hasn’t provided a complete copy of the Blagojevichtrial transcripts to the appellate court.

The appellate court won’t set a briefing schedule to get the appeal moving until the transcripts are available.

As FOX Chicago reported exclusively in August, the court reporter responsible for producing the 16,000 pages of transcripts took a leave of absence for five and a half months after Blagojevich was convicted. So, the appellate court agreed to wait until September 28th for the transcripts.

But, now in October, they’re still not completed. On Monday, the court issued an order, warning Kaeseberg again that she could face monetary or disciplinary sanctions. She responded Tuesday with an explanation, saying transcripts are still missing because they were under seal, or were handled by a different court reporter and she hopes to have them soon.”

” The court reporter, trial judge James Zagel and the appeals court all have a responsibility to produce transcripts needed for an appeal in a timely manner.”

https://citizenwells.wordpress.com/2012/10/26/corrupt-obama-justice-department-delays-blagojevich-appeal-transcripts-still-not-ready-delay-in-appeal-protects-obama-obama-still-has-a-rezko-problem/

 

Citizen Wells for years has been questioning the delayed prosecution of Rod Blagojevich with the obvious intent of protecting Obama.

Today we present a new question that will be explored further soon.

“Why wasn’t Rod Blagojevich, the Governor of Illinois, wiretapped at least by 2005 when it was known in 2003 that there was widespread corruption in his administration?”

Obama corruption tie court cases update, February 5, 2013, Blagojevich appeal delayed, FDIC Mutual Bank lawsuit drags on, Obama Rezko ties linger, Die slowly?

Obama corruption tie court cases update, February 5, 2013, Blagojevich appeal delayed, FDIC Mutual Bank lawsuit drags on, Obama Rezko ties linger, Die slowly?

“Why did Patrick Fitzgerald and the US Justice Department wait until December 2008 to arrest Rod Blagojevich?”…Citizen Wells

“this guy is more Tony’d up than I am. …. they got the Chicago media to f…ing make me wear Rezko more. To f…ing dilute it from him.”…Rod Blagojevich wiretap November 12, 2008

“I believe I’m more pristine on Rezko than him.”…Rod Blagojevich

 

General Douglas MacArthur stated: “Old soldiers never die, they just fade away.”

Perhaps the same sentiment could be used for court cases that tie Obama to Chicago corruption and Tony Rezko.

There are two active court cases that touch Obama and his dealings with Tony Rezko and other Chicago corruption figures.

The FDIC filed a lawsuit against Mutual Bank (Rezko lot loan bank) and it’s officers on October 25, 2011.

Here is some background information.

From Citizen Wells October 25, 2012.

“Here is what we know about the purchase of a lot by Barack and Michelle Obama from Rita Rezko in 2006:

1. “In June, 2005, Mutual Bank President and CEO Amrish Mahajan and
other Mutual Bank officers approved a loan to Rita Malki Rezko (Rita
Rezko) which was guaranteed by Antonin Rezko so that Rita Rezko could
purchase a 9,090 square foot vacant parcel of real estate at 5050 S.
Greenwood Avenue, Chicago.” (Conner lawsuit)

2. “On or about January 4, 2006, Rita Rezko entered into an
agreement with Senator Barack and Michelle Obama (Obamas) to sell a
ten-foot strip of the 5050 S. Greenwood property to the Obamas.”
(Conner lawsuit)

3. “In late 2005 or early 2006, Conner performed an appraisal review
of the Adams Appraisal (Exhibit C) per the directive of Richard Barth
and James Murphy. Conner prepared a written Appraisal Review report
(ARR) opining that the Adams Appraisal overvalued the Greenwood lot by
a minimum of $ 125,000.00 and that a reasonable and fair valuation for
Mutual Banks’s underwriting purposes should be no greater than $
500,000.00 for the entire 5050 S. Greenwood parcel as originally
purchased by Rita Rezko.” (Conner lawsuit)

4. “On or about October 19, 2006, Mutual Bank received a Grand Jury
Subpoena (GJS) requiring Mutual Bank to produce the Rezko 5050
Greenwood loan file, as well as a Rita Rezko Riverside District
Development LLC checking account and loan file.” (Conner lawsuit)

5. “In October, 2007, Conner had various communications with Mutual
Bank’s Human Resources Department representative, Lana Schlabach. In
an email communication of October 15, 2007, Conner directly referenced
“Resentment over my mentioned discovery of the removal/replacement of
an appraisal review that I conducted. That appraisal review contained
substantial observations and suggestions. The transaction and parties
involved were high profile in the media.I am under the impression that
the FBI has since looked at the file.”” On October 23, 2007, eight days after Conner’s October 15, 2007 email to Schlabach attached as Exhibit J, Mutual Bank terminated Conner’s employment for pretextual reasons.” (Conner lawsuit)

6. “On October 23, 2007, eight days after Conner’s October 15, 2007
email to Schlabach attached as Exhibit J, Mutual Bank terminated
Conner’s employment for pretextual reasons.” (Conner lawsuit)

7. The FDIC has filed a lawsuit against Mutual Bank, Amrish Mahajan, Richard Barth, et al.”

From the FDIC lawsuit against Amrish Mahajan, et al.

“6. The Director Defendants also wasted corporate assets and drained the Bank’s capital by…(c) authorizing $ 495,000 in “bonuses” to pay for the criminal defense costs for the Defendant Amrish Mahajan’s wife who was indicted for Medicaid fraud”

“32. The Director and Officer Defendants failed to establish procedures that would have lessened the risks of the Bank’s improvidant lending practices. The terms of transactions were not accurately documented. Status reports were missing so that records of how an asset was progressing were not available. Terms of loans were changed at closing without board or loan committee approvals or any rcord in the file. Loan guarantees were frequently missing from the files. Appraisers were retained by brokers with an interest in seeing transactions consummated, not by the bank. Appraisals were often received after the loan was funded. Loans were typically non-recourse and dependent on guarantor abilities to repay in the event that the collateral was insufficient. Yet, little or no attention was paid to whether guarantors had sufficient liquidity to protect the Bank’s interest; the officers and the Board did little or no analysis of guarantor or borrower financial strength.”

https://citizenwells.wordpress.com/2012/10/25/obama-rezko-lot-transaction-bank-president-mahajan-fdic-lawsuit-motion-hearing-october-25-2012-judge-virginia-m-kendall-rezkos-sold-lot-to-obamas/

The FDIC lawsuit against Amrish Mahajan, former president of Mutual Bank, et al is scheduled for a status hearing in the courtroom of Judge Virginia M. Kendall on February 12, 2013. Mutual Bank loaned Rita Rezko the money for the lot that was purchased by the Obama’s. It is also the bank that fired whistleblower Kenneth J. Conner after he questioned the appraisal of that lot.

Daily Calendar

Tuesday, February 12, 2013 (As of 02/05/13 at 07:50:47 AM)

Honorable Virginia M. Kendall               Courtroom 2319 (VMK)

1:11-cv-07590   Federal Deposit Insurance Corporatio   09:00   Status Hearing

http://www.ilnd.uscourts.gov/home/DailyCal/0.htm

Of course the delay in prosecuting Rod Blagojevich and his subsequent appeal process is the “elephant in the room.” Some say he is awaiting a pardon from Obama.

From Citizen Wells December 5, 2012.

“The Blagojevich arrest was delayed until after the 2008 election.

The Blagojevich appeal has been delayed until after the 2012 election by the Obama Justice Department.”

“A perfect Chicago Crime?

From Citizen Wells October 26, 2012.

“The transcripts needed for the Rod Blagojevich appeal, overdue by almost a year, are still not ready and the appeals court judge is faulting Blagojevich attorney Lauren Kaeseberg, despite the fact that the appeals court has responsibility in this matter.”

“Who engineered these delays and who is responsible?

What were Obama and Blagojevich discussing in 2008?

“Just because it’s a conspiracy theory doesn’t mean it is not true.”

“It is obvious to any rational person paying attention that this delay was orchestrated by the Obama controlled US Justice Department to keep Obama corruption ties out of the election cycle news.””

https://citizenwells.wordpress.com/2012/12/05/blagojevich-appeal-delayed-until-after-2012-election-blagojevich-arrested-after-2008-election-transcripts-completed-appeal-in-federal-court-system-obama-justice-department/

George Ryan released from prison, Former IL governor, Patrick Fitzgerald aggressively prosecuted Ryan, Blagojevich arrest and appeal delayed past elections

George Ryan released from prison, Former IL governor, Patrick Fitzgerald aggressively prosecuted Ryan, Blagojevich arrest and appeal delayed past elections

“Why did the Illinois Senate Health & Human Services Committee, with Obama as chairman, create and push Bill 1332, “Illinois Health Facilities Planning Act,” early in 2003, which reduced the number of members on the Board from 15 to 9, just prior to rigging by Tony Rezko and Rod Blagojevich?”…Citizen Wells

“Why wasn’t Rod Blagojevich, Governor of IL, prosecuted before Tony Rezko, a businessman?”…Citizen Wells

“Why did Colin Powell allow Patrick Fitzgerald to be pulled away from the Blagojevich prosecution?”…Citizen Wells

 

 

From UT San Diego January 30, 2013.

“Former Ill. Gov. Ryan to be released from prison”

“George Ryan on Wednesday will become the latest former Illinois governor to go through a prison door. This time, he’s headed out.

Ryan is being released from a federal prison in Terre Haute, Ind., after serving five-plus years for corruption. He’s expected to spend the first few weeks at a halfway house in Chicago and then return to his home in Kankakee, about 60 miles to the south.

Once reacclimated to life on the outside, Ryan will discover an Illinois that has grown less tolerant of the kind of wheeling and dealing that led to the imprisonment of him and his successor, Rod Blagojevich.

“Public trust really started to falter under Ryan, then it imploded and sunk under Blagojevich,” said Cindi Canary, the former head of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform.

Historically, Illinois governors haven’t been especially adept at getting a message that there are consequences to violating the public trust. Of the state’s last seven governors, four have ended up going to prison.”

“Jurors convicted Ryan on multiple charges, including racketeering and conspiracy. They agreed that, among other crimes, he had steered state business to insiders as secretary of state and then as governor in exchange for vacations and gifts. He began serving a 6 1/2-year prison sentence in November 2007 and is being released early into a halfway house under a work-release program.”

Read more:

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/jan/30/former-ill-gov-ryan-to-be-released-from-prison/?page=1#article-copy

Here is the rest of the story.

Patrick Fitzgerald and the US Justice Department aggressively prosecuted George Ryan.

Patrick Fitzgerald and the US Justice Department, despite the fact that they began wiretaps in late 2003 and had in depth knowledge of corruption in the Rod Blagojevich Administration by 2005 at the latest, delayed the arrest of Blagojevich until after the 2008 election. The production of transcripts required for the Blagojevich appeal were delayed for over half a year by the US Justice Department in 2012, once again delaying the appeal until after the 2012 election.

From Citizen Wells  May 27, 2012.

“Fitzgerald aggressively prosecuted Republican ex Governot of Illinois, George Ryan and unjustly went after Scooter Libby and Karl Rove. Fitzgerald waited until after the 2008 elections to arrest Governor Rod Blagojevich despite the fact that he had details of corruption in the Blagojevich Administration at least by late 2003.

Is Patrick Fitzgerald a pawn, an idiot or corrupt?

From an FBI wiretap:

“You know, Axelrod and Obama’s people, you know, clearly turned, you know, got the Chicago media to make Rezko all about me.”

Late 2003.

Earliest documented awareness by FBI and Patrick Fitzgerald of corruption in Blagojevich admin. Pamela Meyer Davis agreed to secretly record conversations involving state health planning board with an FBI wire.

December 31, 2003 NY Times.

“Mr. Fitzgerald announced that he was prosecuting former Gov. George Ryan, a Republican, in a scandal that had been swirling around long before Mr. Fitzgerald got here and that many people thought would never touch the most powerful politicians in Illinois. But there Mr. Fitzgerald was, a week before Christmas, ticking off the details of a 91-page indictment against Mr. Ryan, seemingly from memory.

That, even Mr. Fitzgerald’s former opponents in the courtroom say, is classic Fitzgerald: dogged, dispassionate and endlessly prepared.”

April 8 – May 21, 2004 (Rezko Trial March 12, 2008; 11:11 a.m.)

“FBI Special Agent Daniel Cain, the primary case agent on the investigation into Levine and Rezko, is on the stand now in testimony that is laying the foundation for entering the wiretaps into evidence.

Cain said the investigation, dubbed Operation Board Games by the federal agents, began in December 2003 and was prompted by information gleaned from an informant whom he did not identify. That witness, he said, took part in meetings with two other individuals who were in contact with Levine by phone at his home.

Cain said Levine had three phone lines in his North Shore home. Federal agents recorded conversations on those lines April 8-May 21, 2004. Those dates span the time when Levine, Rezko and others allegedly were working to rig the hospital board vote on a Mercy Health System hospital proposal for Crystal Lake and other kickback schemes prosecutors claim they were engaged in.”

May 9, 2005.

Stuart Levine indicted on corruption charges. Federal subpoena issued to Tony Rezko.
June 15, 2005.

Obama purchased home next door to Rezko for $1.65 million, $300,000 less than the asking price.
June 15, 2005.

Rita Rezko, Tony’s wife purchased plot next door for $625,000 asking price.

October 25, 2005.

The Chicago Tribune reports about a federal grand jury investigation into the alleged political hiring practices of the Blagojevich administration.

January 2006.

Rita Rezko sells the Obamas one-sixth of her lot for $104,500.

August 5, 2006.

The Chicago Tribune reports that Stuart Levine is cooperating with the federal investigation of state government.”

“December 7, 2008.

Criminal complaint of Blagojevich. Nine individuals is important. Obama helped passed a bill to reduce the number from 15 to 9.

“b. Corruption of the Planning Board”
“At the relevant time period, the Planning Board consisted of nine individuals.”

“Planning Board” (IL Health Facilities Planning Board) is mentioned 31 times.

“Rezko” is mentioned 170 times.

“Hospital” in context of Mercy Hospital mentioned 8 times.
December 9, 2008.

Blagojevich arrested

“Fitzgerald said, “We make no allegations” that Obama was aware of any alleged scheming by Blagojevich.”

February 24, 2011.

Counts 1,2,4 in the Blagojevich Indictment are dropped. This represents approx. half of the indictment and includes numerous corruption ties to Blagojevich and Obama.”

“December 7, 2011.

Rod Blagojevich sentenced to 14 years.

https://citizenwells.wordpress.com/tag/fitzgerald-arrested-blagojevich-after-2008-election/

Colin Powell, who has continued to endorse Barack Obama, knew that Scooter Libby and Karl Rove were innocent in the Valerie Plame leak. Yet Powell did not share his knowledge with the Bush Administration and thus allowed Patrick Fitzgerald to continue to investigate and prosecute Libby and Rove.

Why did Colin Powell allow Patrick Fitzgerald to be pulled away from the Blagojevich prosecution?

 

Blagojevich appeal delayed until after 2012 election, Blagojevich arrested after 2008 election, Transcripts completed, Appeal in federal court system, Obama Justice Department

Blagojevich appeal delayed until after 2012 election, Blagojevich arrested after 2008 election, Transcripts completed, Appeal in federal court system, Obama Justice Department

“Why did Patrick Fitzgerald and the US Justice Department wait until December 2008 to arrest Rod Blagojevich?”…Citizen Wells

“this guy is more Tony’d up than I am. …. they got the Chicago media to f…ing make me wear Rezko more. To f…ing dilute it from him.”…Rod Blagojevich wiretap November 12, 2008

“I believe I’m more pristine on Rezko than him.”…Rod Blagojevich

The Blagojevich arrest was delayed until after the 2008 election.

The Blagojevich appeal has been delayed until after the 2012 election by the Obama Justice Department.

From Chicago CBS Local November 10, 2012.

“Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich has headed from the kitchen to the library at the federal prison in suburban Denver, as he continues his 14-year sentence for corruption charges.

WBBM Newsradio’s John Cody reports Blagojevich’s former defense attorney Sam Adam Jr. said the ex-governor began his prison sentence in March like any other inmate; washing dishes, pots, and pans.

But Adam said Blagojevich found that job painfully boring, and he’s looking for a change.

“He’s either in the library, or just about to get in the library,” Adam said.

Even before the library gig, Blagojevich was busy reading to relieve the boredom, thanks to books sent to him by Adam’s father and fellow defense attorney, Sam Adam Sr.

“He and my father now are studying Ulysses S. Grant. He sends presidential books every month, and now they’re up to Grant,” Adam Jr. said.

He said the experience has been good for Blagojevich and his father.

“I told you, Blago is the son my father never had. He’s the intellectual,” Adam said.

He said he remains confident Blagojevich will win his appeal, which is making its way through the federal court system. Adam said Blagojevich’s morale is holding up, because he’s also confident about the appeal.

“My understanding is all the transcripts have been at least done, and they’re starting the process of writing that appeal,” Adam said.

He asserted Blagojevich’s 14-year sentence won’t be the final word in the case.

“I’ll predict it,” Adam said. “The very question of did you get a right to present your defense has been very good for the defendant – not very good on other things – very good for the defendant. Did you get a right to present your defense? And he clearly did not, and I think that’s a very good issue.”

Adam left the Blagojevich defense team after the first trial ended in a hung jury on all but one count, and is not directly involved in the appeal.”

Listen to WBBM Newsradio’s John Cody Report:

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/11/10/blagojevich-to-start-working-in-prison-library/

The delay in the prosecution and appeal of Rod Blagojevich.

A perfect Chicago Crime?

From Citizen Wells October 26, 2012.

“The transcripts needed for the Rod Blagojevich appeal, overdue by almost a year, are still not ready and the appeals court judge is faulting Blagojevich attorney Lauren Kaeseberg, despite the fact that the appeals court has responsibility in this matter.

From Fox News Philly October 23, 2012.

“Blago attorney questioned about continued delay in appeal process”

“FOX Chicago News has learned that Rod Blagojevich’s appeal is still having trouble getting off the ground, because of delays in producing transcripts from his two trials.

For the second time in the last four months, Lauren Kaeseberg, one of the attorney’s handling Rod Blagojevich’s appeal, has been threatened with disciplinary action because she still hasn’t provided a complete copy of the Blagojevichtrial transcripts to the appellate court.

The appellate court won’t set a briefing schedule to get the appeal moving until the transcripts are available.

As FOX Chicago reported exclusively in August, the court reporter responsible for producing the 16,000 pages of transcripts took a leave of absence for five and a half months after Blagojevich was convicted. So, the appellate court agreed to wait until September 28th for the transcripts.

But, now in October, they’re still not completed. On Monday, the court issued an order, warning Kaeseberg again that she could face monetary or disciplinary sanctions. She responded Tuesday with an explanation, saying transcripts are still missing because they were under seal, or were handled by a different court reporter and she hopes to have them soon.

Kaeseberg told the appellate court that Blagojevich is aware of the delay. Attorneys who talk with him say he never fails to ask about the progress of his appeal.”

http://www.myfoxphilly.com/story/19896931/blagojevichs-attorney-responsible-for-continued-delay-in-appeal-process

Delays in the appeal clearly help Obama.

From Citizen Wells August 7, 2012.

“DATE: 11/12/2008
TIME: 12:36 P.M.
ACTIVITY: Rod Blagojevich home line incoming call.
SESSION: 558
SPEAKERS:
BLAGOJEVICH: Rod Blagojevich
HARRIS: John Harris

BLAGOJEVICH I mean think about that. I mean they, they want me here in Illinois. That’s a faraway Illinois problem from my old life.

HARRIS Mm-hmm.

BLAGOJEVICH The governor’s got that problem with Rezko, boom. But if I’m in the Senate it’s not just mine anymore, it’s his too. Isn’t it? If the Rezko thing got worse?

HARRIS Mm-hmm, Mm-hmm. Well we’ve always thought that.

BLAGOJEVICH And, and from a legal stand point on the substance of, you know, did, did you do something wrong or didn’t do something wrong it doesn’t change that. But in terms of the, the people who are trying to chase all that down and does it change any dynamic if you’re there verses being left back here.

(gap)

BLAGOJEVICH But don’t forget uh, Obama’s gonna have uh, you know, do something about that. And is Obama more or less likely to wanna contain that if I’m out there with him. I mean I’ve got this theory that even Knapp says could be possible and Balanoff. You know, Axelrod and Obama’s people, you know, clearly turned, you know, got the Chicago media to make Rezko all about me. And hardly about…

HARRIS Yeah, in other words, they focus their,they focus their attention on you. They couldn’t make it go away so the bes-, next best strategy is deflect it.

BLAGOJEVICH Right.

HARRIS This is somewhere where it, it’ll satisfy the, the hunger of the beast, being the media.

BLAGOJEVICH Right, right.

HARRIS Yeah, it makes sense. It’s not a stretch. If I’m, if I’m his message advisor, media advisor or whatever, operative, yeah I’m gonna try to feed the beast by giving ‘em something else to eat on.

BLAGOJEVICH So, if I wanna be safe from Rezko, am I a little bit safer over there with him.”

https://citizenwells.wordpress.com/2012/08/07/blagojevich-appeal-delayed-waiting-on-transcripts-court-clerk-5-12-month-leave-of-absence-delays-help-obama-transcripts-of-blagojevich-wiretaps-hurt-obama/

The court reporter, trial judge James Zagel and the appeals court all have a responsibility to produce transcripts needed for an appeal in a timely manner.

From Citizen Wells August 25, 2012.

“Vol 6: Court Reporting

“§ 130.20.20 District Court
Each district court must develop a Court Reporting Management Plan.”

“(g) Providing for avoidance of backlogs of transcripts and assuring prompt
delivery of high quality transcripts, particularly for cases on appeal to the
court of appeals; “
“§ 440.60 Judge Appointed (Involuntary) Use of Substitute Reporter

§ 440.60.10 Introduction

A district judge or the chief judge of a circuit may appoint a substitute reporter in the event a court reporter is unable to complete transcripts in a timely fashion.”

“(1) Appeals to a Circuit from a District Court
Transcripts for appealed cases should be delivered within 30 days from the date ordered or from the date satisfactory arrangements for payment have been made.”

“§ 540 Transcripts for Cases on Appeal

§ 540.10 Introduction

Cases appealed to the United States courts of appeals require the timely transmission of the record from the lower court. A transcript of the proceedings normally is a required part of the record to be transmitted to the court of appeals.”

“§ 540.20.20 Rule 11, Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure (Forwarding the Record)
The statute states:”
“(B)
If the transcript cannot be completed within 30 days of the reporters receipt of the order, the reporter may request the circuit clerk to grant additional time to complete it. The clerk must note on the docket the action taken and notify the parties.”
“(D)
If the reporter fails to file the transcript on time, the circuit clerk must notify the district judge and do whatever else the court of appeals directs.”

Who engineered these delays and who is responsible?

What were Obama and Blagojevich discussing in 2008?

“Just because it’s a conspiracy theory doesn’t mean it is not true.”

https://citizenwells.wordpress.com/2012/08/25/blagojevich-appeal-delay-perfect-chicago-crime-prosecution-and-appeal-delay-protect-obama-help-blagojevich-judge-zagel-usdoj-violate-federal-court-rules/

It is obvious to any rational person paying attention that this delay was orchestrated by the Obama controlled US Justice Department to keep Obama corruption ties out of the election cycle news.”

https://citizenwells.wordpress.com/2012/10/26/corrupt-obama-justice-department-delays-blagojevich-appeal-transcripts-still-not-ready-delay-in-appeal-protects-obama-obama-still-has-a-rezko-problem/

Corrupt Obama Justice Department delays Blagojevich appeal, Transcripts still not ready, Delay in appeal protects Obama, Obama still has a Rezko problem

Corrupt Obama Justice Department delays Blagojevich appeal, Transcripts still not ready, Delay in appeal protects Obama, Obama still has a Rezko problem

“this guy is more Tony’d up than I am. …. they got the Chicago media to f…ing make me wear Rezko more. To f…ing dilute it from him.…Rod Blagojevich wiretap November 12, 2008
“BLAGOJEVICH: You know, Axelrod and Obama’s people, you know, clearly turned, you know, got the Chicago media to make Rezko all about me. And hardly about…

HARRIS: Yeah, in other words, they focus their,they focus their attention on you. They couldn’t make it go away so the bes-, next best strategy is deflect it.

BLAGOJEVICH: Right.

HARRIS: This is somewhere where it, it’ll satisfy the, the hunger of the beast, being the media.

BLAGOJEVICH: Right, right.

HARRIS: Yeah, it makes sense. It’s not a stretch. If I’m, if I’m his message advisor, media advisor or whatever, operative, yeah I’m gonna try to feed the beast by giving ‘em something else to eat on.”…Rod Blagojevich wiretap November 12, 2008

“I believe I’m more pristine on Rezko than him.”…Rod Blagojevich wiretap November 7, 2008

The transcripts needed for the Rod Blagojevich appeal, overdue by almost a year, are still not ready and the appeals court judge is faulting Blagojevich attorney Lauren Kaeseberg, despite the fact that the appeals court has responsibility in this matter.

From Fox News Philly October 23, 2012.

“Blago attorney questioned about continued delay in appeal process”

“FOX Chicago News has learned that Rod Blagojevich’s appeal is still having trouble getting off the ground, because of delays in producing transcripts from his two trials.

For the second time in the last four months, Lauren Kaeseberg, one of the attorney’s handling Rod Blagojevich’s appeal, has been threatened with disciplinary action because she still hasn’t provided a complete copy of the Blagojevichtrial transcripts to the appellate court.

The appellate court won’t set a briefing schedule to get the appeal moving until the transcripts are available.

As FOX Chicago reported exclusively in August, the court reporter responsible for producing the 16,000 pages of transcripts took a leave of absence for five and a half months after Blagojevich was convicted. So, the appellate court agreed to wait until September 28th for the transcripts.

But, now in October, they’re still not completed. On Monday, the court issued an order, warning Kaeseberg again that she could face monetary or disciplinary sanctions. She responded Tuesday with an explanation, saying transcripts are still missing because they were under seal, or were handled by a different court reporter and she hopes to have them soon.

Kaeseberg told the appellate court that Blagojevich is aware of the delay. Attorneys who talk with him say he never fails to ask about the progress of his appeal.”

http://www.myfoxphilly.com/story/19896931/blagojevichs-attorney-responsible-for-continued-delay-in-appeal-process

Delays in the appeal clearly help Obama.

From Citizen Wells August 7, 2012.

“DATE: 11/12/2008
TIME: 12:36 P.M.
ACTIVITY: Rod Blagojevich home line incoming call.
SESSION: 558
SPEAKERS:
BLAGOJEVICH: Rod Blagojevich
HARRIS: John Harris

BLAGOJEVICH I mean think about that. I mean they, they want me here in Illinois. That’s a faraway Illinois problem from my old life.

HARRIS Mm-hmm.

BLAGOJEVICH The governor’s got that problem with Rezko, boom. But if I’m in the Senate it’s not just mine anymore, it’s his too. Isn’t it? If the Rezko thing got worse?

HARRIS Mm-hmm, Mm-hmm. Well we’ve always thought that.

BLAGOJEVICH And, and from a legal stand point on the substance of, you know, did, did you do something wrong or didn’t do something wrong it doesn’t change that. But in terms of the, the people who are trying to chase all that down and does it change any dynamic if you’re there verses being left back here.

(gap)

BLAGOJEVICH But don’t forget uh, Obama’s gonna have uh, you know, do something about that. And is Obama more or less likely to wanna contain that if I’m out there with him. I mean I’ve got this theory that even Knapp says could be possible and Balanoff. You know, Axelrod and Obama’s people, you know, clearly turned, you know, got the Chicago media to make Rezko all about me. And hardly about…

HARRIS Yeah, in other words, they focus their,they focus their attention on you. They couldn’t make it go away so the bes-, next best strategy is deflect it.

BLAGOJEVICH Right.

HARRIS This is somewhere where it, it’ll satisfy the, the hunger of the beast, being the media.

BLAGOJEVICH Right, right.

HARRIS Yeah, it makes sense. It’s not a stretch. If I’m, if I’m his message advisor, media advisor or whatever, operative, yeah I’m gonna try to feed the beast by giving ‘em something else to eat on.

BLAGOJEVICH So, if I wanna be safe from Rezko, am I a little bit safer over there with him.”

https://citizenwells.wordpress.com/2012/08/07/blagojevich-appeal-delayed-waiting-on-transcripts-court-clerk-5-12-month-leave-of-absence-delays-help-obama-transcripts-of-blagojevich-wiretaps-hurt-obama/

The court reporter, trial judge James Zagel and the appeals court all have a responsibility to produce transcripts needed for an appeal in a timely manner.

From Citizen Wells August 25, 2012.

“Vol 6: Court Reporting

“§ 130.20.20 District Court
Each district court must develop a Court Reporting Management Plan.”

“(g) Providing for avoidance of backlogs of transcripts and assuring prompt
delivery of high quality transcripts, particularly for cases on appeal to the
court of appeals; “
“§ 440.60 Judge Appointed (Involuntary) Use of Substitute Reporter

§ 440.60.10 Introduction

A district judge or the chief judge of a circuit may appoint a substitute reporter in the event a court reporter is unable to complete transcripts in a timely fashion.”

“(1) Appeals to a Circuit from a District Court
Transcripts for appealed cases should be delivered within 30 days from the date ordered or from the date satisfactory arrangements for payment have been made.”

“§ 540 Transcripts for Cases on Appeal

§ 540.10 Introduction

Cases appealed to the United States courts of appeals require the timely transmission of the record from the lower court. A transcript of the proceedings normally is a required part of the record to be transmitted to the court of appeals.”

“§ 540.20.20 Rule 11, Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure (Forwarding the Record)
The statute states:”
“(B)
If the transcript cannot be completed within 30 days of the reporters receipt of the order, the reporter may request the circuit clerk to grant additional time to complete it. The clerk must note on the docket the action taken and notify the parties.”
“(D)
If the reporter fails to file the transcript on time, the circuit clerk must notify the district judge and do whatever else the court of appeals directs.”

Who engineered these delays and who is responsible?

What were Obama and Blagojevich discussing in 2008?

“Just because it’s a conspiracy theory doesn’t mean it is not true.”

https://citizenwells.wordpress.com/2012/08/25/blagojevich-appeal-delay-perfect-chicago-crime-prosecution-and-appeal-delay-protect-obama-help-blagojevich-judge-zagel-usdoj-violate-federal-court-rules/

It is obvious to any rational person paying attention that this delay was orchestrated by the Obama controlled US Justice Department to keep Obama corruption ties out of the election cycle news.

Obama speech in Charlotte, NC September 6, 2012, Blagojevich appeal delayed like arrest in 2008, Tony Rezko behind bars, Obama Rezko pay to play politics not forgotten

Obama speech in Charlotte, NC September 6, 2012, Blagojevich appeal delayed like arrest in 2008, Tony Rezko behind bars, Obama Rezko pay to play politics not forgotten

“Regardless of how this plays out, it benefits Obama. If there is no appeal or the appeal is denied, Blagojevich will be sequestered. If the appeal proceeds, it could drag out beyond impacting the 2012 election cycle. The intent is obvious.”…Citizen Wells, July 19, 2011

“Why did the Rezkos pay asking price for the lot adjacent to the Obama mansion, a lot which was subsequently valued 20 percent less?…Citizen Wells

“Why did Mutual Bank fire whistleblower Kenneth J Connor after he challenged the appraisal on the land purchased by Rita Rezko, just prior to the land sale to Obama?”…Citizen Wells

Before presenting the facts about the Obama Rezko lot purchase, I am waiting on clarification from a participant in this transaction. But since Barack Obama is speaking in my home state tonight in Charlotte, confidant once again that Rod Blagojevich is out of the limelight with his appeal delayed, just like his arrest was delayed in 2008, and Tony Rezko is behind bars, I just want to let Obama know that his ties to Rezko and Chicago pay to play politics are not forgotten.

Here is a good article from WND dated April 20, 2011.

“HOW CONVICTED FELON HELPED OBAMA BUY HOME”

“In the 2008 presidential campaign, now-convicted felon Tony Rezko’s role in helping Barack and Michelle Obama purchase their dream home at 5046 S. Greenwood Ave. in Chicago’s Hyde Park area created a scandal that threatened to derail Obama’s presidential hopes.

As the elements of the scandal emerged, Obama went into overdrive, holding extensive interview meetings with the staffs of Chicago’s two major newspapers, with his supporters rebutting and attacking critics and justifying Obama’s decisions.

The deal

Here are the key points in how Obama wanted to represent the home purchase once the criticism began:

  • When a prestige house across the street from Tony Rezko’s came on the market at 5046 S. Greenwood, Rezko must have thought it was just perfect for Barack and Michelle Obama and their two daughters. Rezko found the house for Obama. Salon.com reported that Donna Schwan of MetroPro Realty, the real estate agent who listed the property, recalled that the deal started when Rezko expressed interest in the listing,according to the Chicago Tribune.
  • The house was evidently perfect, a 96-year-old, multi-story, 6,400-square-foot, brick Georgian Revival home with four fireplaces, six bedrooms, six bathrooms, glass-door bookcases fashioned from Honduran mahogany, and a wine cellar large enough to store 1,000 bottles, the Tribune reported. The house was situated on a large double corner lot, with the vacant lot adjoining the home at the street corner. With a foot-tall concrete barrier and a wrought iron fence surrounding the property, there was no access to the vacant lot, except through Obama’s driveway.The neighborhood was in Kenwood, a South Side oasis of pricey homes attractive to the University of Chicago professors who liked to live close to work. The property would be a nice step-up for the Obama family seeking to move from the small Hyde Park condo the couple bought in 1993 for $277,500, where they lived in the eight years Obama was state senator, to a prestige home suitable for the family of a U.S. senator, the Boston Globe reported.The problem was that the doctor and his wife who owned the property, Fredrick E. Wondisford and Sally R. Radovick, wanted to sell the vacant lot and the house at the same time, even though the two properties were separately listed. Also, while the sellers wanted to find a buyer as quickly as possible, they did not want to close the deal until June 2005.
  • The list price just for the home was $1.95 million, outside the reach of the Obama family, even with Obama’s re-issued 1995 autobiography, “Dreams from My Father,” hitting bestseller lists, his U.S. Senate salary of $157,082, and Michelle’s 2005 income of $317,000 at the University of Chicago Hospitals, Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun-Times reported.
  • Rezko came up with a solution. His wife Rita bought the vacant lot at the full asking price, permitting Obama and Michelle to negotiate buying the house for $1.65 million, a discount of $300,000 from the asking price.
  • Rita Rezko closed on the vacant lot the same day the Obamas closed on the house, paying $625,000 for the vacant lot.

“Both actions would be clear violations of Senate ethics rules baring the granting or asking of favors,”wrote John Fund in the Wall Street Journal.

The Boston Globe reported Obama asked Rezko’s advice in negotiating the deal – after all, Rezko was supposedly experienced with real estate, having negotiated so many low-income housing deals in Chicago – and Obama toured the house with Rezko before making an offer.

The Boston Globe also reported real estate agent Schwan’s recollection that the Obamas may not have made the highest bid, but the willingness of the Obamas and Rita Rezko to close in June was decisive.

This detail shows the importance of Rezko to the ability of the Obamas to buy their dream house. Had Rita Rezko not been willing to buy the vacant lot in June, “the deal was off.”

Obamas buy slice of vacant lot

After the Obamas moved in, the senator and his wife decided they wanted to buy a slice of the vacant lot.

The Boston Globe reported an independent appraisal of the entire vacant lot parcel was worth about $500,000, about $125,000 less than Rita had paid for it. The Obamas wanted to buy one-sixth of the vacant lot, to create a yard next to the house.

The appraisal said the strip Obama wanted to buy was worth only $40,500, because it was not suitable for building. Still, in January 2006, the Obamas paid Rita Rezko $104,500 for the one-sixth strip, a proportionate share of what Rita had paid for the entire vacant lot. Rita built a fence to separate out the rest of the vacant lot, and the deal was closed.

Obama hired an attorney and architect to design a wrought iron fence on the new property line, including the one-sixth of the vacant lot bought from Rita. Rezko agreed to pay the $14,000 cost of building the fence, and Obama agreed to pay his landscaper to mow Rita’s vacant lot for her, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Enter Michael J. Sreenan

Then, when Tony Rezko was indicted, Rita Rezko sold the vacant lot, evidently needing the funds.

The Chicago Tribune reported land records in the Cook County Recorder of Deeds database showed Rita sold the “garden lot” on Dec. 28, 2006, to a company owned by former Rezko business attorney Michael J. Sreenan that planned to develop housing on the lot.

Rita sold the remaining five-sixths of the vacant lot for $575,000, netting an estimated $54,500 from the sale. A spokesman for Obama said the senator was aware development was planned on the lot but denied he knew any of the details.

Following the sale of the lot, the blog Rezko Watch reported that following Obama’s marathon sessions with the Chicago Sun-Times and Tribune on March 14, 2008, Obama released a new list of Rezko-related campaign contributors whose money had been released to charity.

On the list was a $2,000 donation Michael Sreenan made to Obama on June 30, 2003.

Then Politico.com reported Sreenan made five other contributions totaling $3,500 to Obama on the same days other Rezko associates and employees contributed often matching sums.

Sreenan’s first contribution on record was a $1,000 check reported on the same March 2000 day that five other Rezko employees contributed a like sum. Evidently, Obama donated all these Rezko contributions to charity.

Then, in an article entitled “Obama is one lucky fellow,” Rezko Watch reported the Obamas had little to fear that Sreenan would actually construct any condos on the lot Sreenan bought from Rita Rezko.

According to Rezko Watch, Alderman Toni Preckwinkle has rejected plans from a prospective buyer who wanted to build a single-family home on the lot adjoining the Obama home, as well as a developer’s plans to put condos up there.

Preckwinkle declared that any home built on that land would have to be compatible with the neighborhood’s mansions.

Preckwinkle, Rezko Watch noted, is not only the Democratic Committeeman of the 4th Ward, but she is a known Obama supporter. The Chicago Sun-Times has reported Rezko was conveniently the long-time head of Preckwinkle’s campaign-finance committee. Six of Rezko’s problem housing projects are in Preckwinkle’s 4th Ward.

A ‘bonehead’ deal

After a year of taking heat in the local Chicago media over the Rezko scandal, Obama finally decided to face the music, coming into the offices of the Chicago Sun-Times on March 14, 2008, and the offices of the Chicago Tribune the same day, to give a lengthy opening statement and answer questions from the newspapers’ editorial staff and investigative reporters.

The Sun-Times bluntly asked Obama, “Why didn’t alarm bells go off when you agreed to buy a 10-foot-wide strip of property to buffer your home at the same time reports were coming out that [Rezko] was being investigated for alleged illegal influence-peddling?”

Obama answered, “Probably because I had known him for a long time, and he had acted in an above-board manner with me, and I considered him a friend. In retrospect it should have, so this was a mistake on my part.”

The newspaper pressed, reminding Obama that he had spoken a lot about judgment in his presidential campaign, asking if the decision to purchase the 10-foot-wide strip from Rezko was a judgment issue.

Obama repeated that the decision was a mistake, adding for emphasis, “I said it was a bonehead move. I think it is further evidence I am not perfect.” The comment “bonehead move” stuck and was repeated widely in the media after the interview.

In his prepared statement, Obama told the Sun-Times that Michelle fell in love with the house. The next day, in his prepared statement to the Tribune, Obama explained, “Michelle calls me and says, “I’m in, I love this house, but it’s more than we were talking about paying for, but I really think it’s a great house, you should go take a look at it.”

When the Tribune grilled Obama about whether he and Rezko had coordinated their bids so Obama could afford to buy the home at a discounted price, Obama admitted he and Rezko had toured the home together before making offers.

Obama denies wrongdoing

Obama told the Tribune he had a written statement from the sellers, saying “at no time did they ever consider the lot in relation to the price of the house, that they did not offer a discount on the house, that there was no contingency with respect to our house purchase relative to the lot.”

The transcript of the question-and-answer session clearly shows the Tribune staff had a hard time believing Obama. Yet, Obama persisted, denying he coordinated the purchase with Rezko.

Obama insisted he believed Rezko bought the vacant lot because Rezko thought it was a good business decision to develop it.

Obama could offer no explanation of why Rita Rezko bought the vacant lot, instead of her husband, and he complained that the sellers were private people who objected to reporters intruding into their lives with hostile questions.

The Tribune asked directly, “The issue of judgment is one of the keystones of your campaign right now. How should Americans look at this series of events that you’ve just laid out?”

Obama answered, “I think that the way they should view it is that I made a mistake in not seeing the potential conflicts of interest or appearances of impropriety.”

Still, he insisted, “They should see somebody who was not engaged in any wrongdoing, who did not in any way betray the public trust, who has maintained consistently high ethical standards and who they can trust.”

In his account of the interview, Tribune reporter David Jackson noted that the question-and-answer session was the first time Obama disclosed he and Rezko had toured the Kenwood home together.

“In his first accounts of the purchase, Obama did not divulge that tour,” Jackson wrote. “He said Friday that he simply didn’t feel the information was salient and insisted the tour didn’t mean he and Rezko coordinated their purchases.”

“Obama: I trusted Rezko,” was the way Jackson’s story was titled.”

http://www.wnd.com/2011/04/289529/

Blagojevich prosecution delays protect Obama, Part 1, Blagojevich arrest delayed after 2008 election, Patrick Fitzgerald USDOJ had key witness and crimes

Blagojevich prosecution delays protect Obama, Part 1, Blagojevich arrest delayed after 2008 election, Patrick Fitzgerald USDOJ had key witness and crimes

“Why wasn’t Rod Blagojevich, Governor of IL, prosecuted before Tony Rezko, a businessman?”…Citizen Wells

“Why did Patrick Fitzgerald and the US Justice Department wait until December 2008 to arrest Rod Blagojevich?”…Citizen Wells

“Blagojevich’s name has been mentioned often. It was brought up at least 30 times Wednesday morning by Stuart Levine, the government’s star witness against Rezko.”…Tony Rezko trial

“Regardless of how this plays out, it benefits Obama. If there is no appeal or the appeal is denied, Blagojevich will be sequestered. If the appeal proceeds, it could drag out beyond impacting the 2012 election cycle. The intent is obvious.”…Citizen Wells, July 19, 2011

Part 1

The Blagojevich arrest was delayed

Was Barack Obama the original plan for the presidency by the DNC and Chicago Machine? Rod Blagojevich envisioned himself in that office. But in a high
profile position as Governor of Illinois, with brashness by nature and a less stealthy approach to pay to play politics than Obama, the feds began investigating him in 2003 and reports soon hit the Chicago media of corruption in his administration.

The bulk of the charges in the Criminal complaint, indictment and evidentiary proffer and indeed, what the Tony Rezko trial centered around, took place from 2003 to 2005. They include much activity involving the TRS, Teacher Retirement System, Hospital construction approval, a plan to shakedown Children’s Memorial Hospital, appointments to state government such as Ali Ata to the Illinois Finance Authority and real estate transactions involving Blagojevich’s wife Patti.

One of the clearest examples of impacting the citizens of Illinois was the corruption of the TRS.

2003: “Of the five funds, the one in the sorriest shape is the Illinois Teacher Retirement System, which provides the pensions for suburban and downstate
teachers. Its ratio of assets to liabilities stood at a mere 52 percent last year, so poor that it was considered among the five worst-funded plans in the
country.”  Chicago Magazine March 23, 2011

“Rezko’s partner in the Rezmar development company, Daniel Mahru, is referred to as “Individual Z” in the indictment, and according to court filings, Rezko told Mahru that “$500 million” of TRS money was earmarked for their company. Mahru is reportedly cooperating with federal investigators.”

“In addition to lining their own pockets, the money gained through the scheme was funneled to the campaigns of Blagojevich and Obama. Prosecutors have identified two $10,000 payments that were made to Obama’s US Senate campaign through straw donors Joseph Aramanda and Elie Maloof, which originated from a kickback paid by investment firm, Glencoe Capital, to secure approval for a $50 million deal. Evelyn Pringle, “Operation Board games for Slum Lords”

Hospitals:

“The brief conversation was between Levine and Rezko on April 24, 2004, just three days after Levine said he and Rezko had rigged a vote of a state hospital
planning board to approve a controversial hospital in Crystal Lake. Hospital contractor Jacob Kiferbaum was going to pay Levine and Rezko $1 million in
bribes if the Crystal Lake facility won approval, Levine has testified.

Levine testified that he called Rezko on April 24 to set up a meeting to discuss their next shakedown target: Children’s Memorial Hospital. Just minutes
before Levine called Rezko, Levine had hung up with a money manager from the investment banking firm Bear Stearns named Nicholas Hurtgen, who prosecutors say was a confederate in past Levine kickback schemes.” Rezko trial, March 21, 2008 

So, why would the prosecution of Blagojevich be delayed despite the fact that he profoundly affected the citizens and state of IL?

  • Obama had a clear role in the rigging of the health planning board.
  • Obama played a role in cronyism affecting the TRS, Teacher Retirement System.
  • Obama had long time and regular associations with Tony Rezko and was as Blagojevich stated in a wiretap “more tony’d up than me.”
  • A blagojevich trial before the 2008 elections would have stopped Obama. Tony Rezko would not talk about Obama, Blagojevich did and would.

The following facts make the argument that Rod Blagojevich should have been arrested long before December 8, 2008 and before Tony Rezko.

  • Blagojevich began scheming as soon as he entered office. From the Blagojevich arrest press release. “The charges include historical allegations that Blagojevich and Harris schemed with others – including previously convicted defendants Antoin Rezko, Stuart Levine, Ali Ata and others – since becoming governor in 2002 to obtain and attempt to obtain financial benefits for himself, his family and third parties, including his campaign committee, Friends of Blagojevich, in exchange for appointments to state boards and commissions, state employment, state contracts and access to state funds.”
  • Pamela Meyer Davis began wearing a secret FBI wiretap  in late 2003 to record conversations involving state health planning board.
  • Most of the corruption in the Tony Rezko, Stuart Levine and Rod Blagojevich indictments took place between 2003 and 2005. Counts 1, 2 and 4 in the Blagojevich Indictment were eventualy dropped. Those counts covered that time period and represented approximately half of the indictment.
  • “FBI Special Agent Daniel Cain, the primary case agent on the investigation into Levine and Rezko, is on the stand now in testimony that is laying the foundation for entering the wiretaps into evidence. Cain said the investigation, dubbed Operation Board Games by the federal agents, began in December 2003 and was prompted by information gleaned from an informant whom he did not identify. That witness, he said, took part in meetings with two other individuals who were in contact with Levine by phone at his home. Cain said Levine had three phone lines in his North Shore home. Federal agents recorded conversations on those lines April 8-May 21, 2004. Those dates span the time when Levine, Rezko and others allegedly were working to rig the hospital board vote on a Mercy Health System hospital proposal for Crystal Lake and other kickback schemes prosecutors claim they were engaged in.” Rezko trial March 12, 2008
  • June 7, 2004: Stuart Levine, member of the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board, abruptly resigns. This is the first indication that the Blagojevich administration is under federal criminal investigation.
  •  July 2, 2004: Stuart Levine resigns from the state Teachers’ Retirement System board.
  •  May 9, 2005: Stuart Levine indicted on corruption charges. Federal subpoena issued to Tony Rezko.
  •  Sept. 15, 2005: Joseph Cari, former lawyer for the state’s teacher’s pension board pleads guilty to extortion. A high ranking public official is described in court documents only as “Public official A.”
  •  Oct. 25, 2005: The Chicago Tribune reports about a federal grand jury investigation into the alleged political hiring practices of the Blagojevich administration.
  •  Aug. 5, 2006: The Chicago Tribune reports that Stuart Levine is cooperating with the federal investigation of state government.
  • Sometime  between May 9, 2005 and August 5, 2006, Levine has begun cooperating with the feds. Levine knows almost as much as Rezko and becomes the key witness in the Rezko trial and other prosecutions. The Feds know plenty about Blagojevich at this point.
  •  Oct. 11, 2006: Tony Rezko is indicted on federal charges he sought millions of dollars in kickbacks and campaign donations from firms seeking state business.
  • So far everything seems normal and makes sense.  The next move should be to indict Blagojevich. Blagojevich, the governor, versus Rezko, the businessman, has the power to corrupt state government, has been doing so and thanks to Levine, the Feds know the details. If you have any doubts about this, read the transcripts of the Rezko trial. For example: “Gov. Rod Blagojevich has avoided answering questions about the corruption trial of Antoin “Tony” Rezko, the other day declaring, “I’m not in that case.” But Blagojevich’s name has been mentioned often. It was brought up at least 30 times Wednesday morning by Stuart Levine, the government’s star witness against Rezko. Rezko trial March 19, 2008.
  • Patrick Fitzgerald and the feds wait over 2 years, until December 9, 2008 to arrest Blagojevich and then state they are trying to protect the citizens of Illinois. From the Government’s Sentencing Memorandum, signed by Patrick Fitzgerald and filed on November 30, 2011: “By way of comparison, Antoin Rezko,…received a sentence of 126 months imprisonment for corrupt activity that he engaged in directly with Blagojevich or with Blagojevich’s tacit approval. Yet, Rezko:(a) held no elected office of trust;”
  • Oct. 22, 2006: Obama publicly states he is considering a run for the Presidency.
  • Oct. 27, 2006: Stuart Levine pleads guilty in a scheme to squeeze millions of dollars from firms seeking state business. Court papers contain  allegations that Rezko and  Christopher Kelly were using their influence for corrupt purposes.
  • November 7, 2006 USA Today reports: “Despite scandal, Gov. Blagojevich wins re-election in Illinois” “U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald has said he is investigating “very serious” allegations of hiring fraud at multiple agencies under Blagojevich.”
    http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/vote2006/IL/2006-11-07-governor_x.htm
  • January 16, 2007:”Judicial Watch filed an open records lawsuit against the office of Governor Rod Blagojevich (D-IL), who is under federal investigation on several fronts, including corrupt hiring practices. Judicial Watch’s lawsuit, filed on January 16, 2007 in the Cook County, Illinois Circuit Court, specifically seeks, among other documents, any and all grand jury subpoenas received by the Governor’s office or any state agencies under the Governor’s control.”  http://www.judicialwatch.org/blagojevich
  • October 28, 2007 the Chicago Tribune reports: “Removing a governor” “The public disappointment in Rod Blagojevich, whose tenure follows the corrupt regime of George Ryan, should launch a public debate: Do the people of this state want a way to say to their politicians, “You are serving your interests, not ours. You are dismissed.”” http://blogs.chicagotribune.com/news_columnists_ezorn/2007/11/gnad.html
  • May 2, 2008 a governor recall initiative was narrowly defeated. “State government is hemorrhaging with scandal and corruption,”  Sen. Dan Cronin, sponsor.
  • June 4, 2008 Tony Rezko convicted on 16 of 24 counts. Counts 1, 11, 12, 14, 15 were related to Mercy Hospital and the rigging of the Planning Board.
  • Dec. 9, 2008 Blagojevich is arrested. “Fitzgerald said, “We make no allegations” that Obama was aware of any alleged scheming by Blagojevich.”
  • Jan. 9, 2009 IL House votes 114 to 1 to impeach Blagojevich.
  •  Jan 29, 2009 IL Senate removes Blagojevich from office.

Having read the above, forget for a moment the supposition that Patrick Fitzgerald and the US Justice Department were protecting Obama and ask the simple question:

Why was Blagojevich left in office until December 2008?

Good question, eh?

Some truths are ageless and I often quote Shakespeare.

For example:

“The lady doth protest too much, methinks.”

Patrick Fitzgerald stated after the Blagojevich arrest:

“The complaint makes no allegations about the president-elect whatsoever.”

“We make no allegations that he’s aware of anything.”

“But we ask that the press, in particular, recognize that we are not casting aspirsions on people other than the two people we charged and bear that in mind and be responsible.”

Fitzgerald admits that the crime spree had been going on for years.

“I just think it’s very, very disturbing that we have these pay-to-play allegations going on for years.”

Yes, disturbing.

And I would add, criminal.

I stand by earlier statements that the selling of the senate seat was a well crafted diversion. The facts presented above and in coming articles will make this intuitively obvious.

Below are some resources for further reading.

Blagojevich arrest press release

http://www.justice.gov/usao/iln/pr/chicago/2008/pr1209_01.pdf

Blagojevich Criminal Complaint

http://www.justice.gov/usao/iln/pr/chicago/2008/pr1209_01a.pdf

Blagojevich Second superceding indictment

http://www.justice.gov/usao/iln/pr/chicago/2010/pr0204_02a.pdf

Blagojevich Evidentiary Proffer

http://blogs.suntimes.com/blago/PROFFER.pdf

Rezko trial transcripts

http://blogs.suntimes.com/rezko/2008/03/

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,335592,00.html

Rezko trial transcripts related to the rigging of the planning board

https://citizenwells.com/2010/06/02/blagojevich-trial-transcripts-rezko-trial-testimony-il-health-planning-facilities-board-obama-chairman-of-il-senate-committee-blagojevich-rezko-levine-obama/

Evelyn Pringle articles

http://therealbarackobama.wordpress.com/2008/10/01/evelyn-pringles-operation-board-games-and-curtain-time-for-obama/

Blagojevich trial pre trial events and facts

https://citizenwells.com/2010/05/22/blagojevich-trial-pre-trial-events-and-facts/

Obama ties to Chicago corruption still haunt, Obama’s Ghosts of Christmas Past, Blagojevich appeal delay hard evidence of conspiracy to obstruct justice

Obama ties to Chicago corruption still haunt, Obama’s Ghosts of Christmas Past, Blagojevich appeal delay hard evidence of conspiracy to obstruct justice

“There is no doubt that Marley was dead. This must be distinctly understood, or nothing wonderful can come of the story I am going to relate.”

“You will be haunted,” resumed the Ghost, “by Three Spirits.”

“I am the Ghost of Christmas Past.”
“Long Past?”
“No. Your past.”…Charles Dicken, “A Christmas Carol”

“Why did Patrick Fitzgerald and the US Justice Department wait until December 2008 to arrest Rod Blagojevich?”…Citizen Wells

“Regardless of how this plays out, it benefits Obama. If there is no appeal or the appeal is denied, Blagojevich will be sequestered. If the appeal proceeds, it could drag out beyond impacting the 2012 election cycle. The intent is obvious.”…Citizen Wells, July 19, 2011

I recently issued a request for citizen journalists to assist in researching an important story that is playing out before us in real time.

The Rod Blagojevich appeal process has been delayed in direct contradiction to US Court rules and guidelines. The court reporter for Judge James Zagel, the person responsible for producing trial transcripts needed for the appeal, took a 5 and 1/2 month leave of absence and now has filed a request for an extension. She now claims to have the transcripts ready by late September.

Read the guidelines for yourself. The Court Reporter has accountability, Judge James Zagel has accountability and the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has accountability.

This case impacts a former governor and current occupant of the White House.

Over the past almost 4 years I have presented compelling circumstantial evidence why Blagojevich should have been arrested much earlier and before Tony Rezko. Certainly not after the 2008 election to protect Obama.

There is so much to keep up with about Obama, some may have forgotten some details and new readers come along, so I will be presenting some information again.

In part 1 of a multi part series, I will lay out the facts in detail that support my contention. To paraphrase Dickens, it is important to know this information to understand what is happening now.

Part 1 – Events leading up to the Blagojevich arrest.

Part 2 – Prosecution.

Part 3 – Appeal.

Oh, and by the way, another spectre from Obama’s past is about to pay him a visit soon. I will say more about this when I am permitted.

Obama Rezko Chicago corruption ties news making but hidden, Mutual Bank v Mahajan update, August 30, 2012, Judge Kendall motion ruling, Obama 2005 tax return

Obama Rezko Chicago corruption ties news making but hidden, Mutual Bank v Mahajan update, August 30, 2012, Judge Kendall motion ruling, Obama 2005 tax return

“Why is news about the FDIC lawsuit, Mutual Bank v. Mahajan, the bank that loaned the Rezkos money for the Obama lot, so hard to find?”…Citizen Wells

“Why did Obama switch to Harvey Wineberg’s firm to have his 2005 tax return prepared?”…Citizen Wells

“Why did Mutual Bank fire whistleblower Kenneth J Connor after he challenged the appraisal on the land purchased by Rita Rezko, just prior to the land sale to Obama?”…Citizen Wells

There are 3 cases I have been checking on daily.

1. The status of the Blagojevich appeal.
2. The status of the Kenneth J. Conner whistleblower lawsuit.
3. The staus of the FDIC Mutual Bank lawsuit against Amrish Mahajan, et al.

All of the above reveal Obama Chicago corruption ties.

My daily activities include checking the docket for the US District Court Northern District Illinois, the courts of the Rezko and Blagojevich prosecutions and FDIC Mutual Bank lawsuit. By doing so, I discovered the following hearing.

The FDIC lawsuit against Amrish Mahajan, former president of Mutual Bank, et al is scheduled for a status hearing in the courtroom of Judge Virginia M. Kendall on July 19, 2012. Mutual Bank loaned Rita Rezko the money for the lot that was purchased by the Obama’s. It is also the bank that fired whistleblower Kenneth J. Conner after he questioned the appraisal of that lot.

Daily Calendar

Thursday, July 19, 2012 (As of 07/12/12 at 06:48:37 AM )

Honorable Virginia M. Kendall               Courtroom 2319 (VMK)

1:11-cv-07590 Federal Deposit Insurance Corporatio 09:00 Status Hearing

http://www.ilnd.uscourts.gov/home/DailyCal/0.htm

After doing some more digging, I discovered that Judge Kendall had ruled on the motion to dismiss. More later on why I had to dig.

Mutual Bank v. Mahajan
Case Number: 1:11-cv-07590

“In May 2005, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations (the “IDFPR”) conducted an examination of the Bank and delivered its report to the Board on June 10, 2005. That report warned the Board that its high concentration in hotel loans carried more risk than other properties, and that many of the loans the Bank extended were inappropriately based on
projections rather than historical data and/or had collateral consisting of distressed properties. The 2005 report also noted that many of the properties securing gas and convenience store loans were difficult for the Bank to monitor for collateral purposes as they were outside the Bank’s immediate
market area. As a result of the 2005 report, IDFPR regulators made several recommendations to manage risk, yet these recommendations were not followed by the Bank.”

“In May 2006, the FDIC investigated the Bank and delivered its report to the Board on July 29, 2006. The 2006 report again raised concerns about the Bank’s risk management, record asset growth, and lack of increase in staffing to keep pace with the increase in the loan portfolio. The 2006 report also stressed the geographic dispersion of properties subject to loans, and potential
flaws with asset quality. As with the 2005 report, the 2006 report made recommendations to enhance risk management which were again not followed by the Bank.”

http://docs.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/illinois/ilndce/1:2011cv04545/257510/54/0.pdf?ts=1344338689

The Obama 2005 tax return is interesting.

From Citizen Wells August 14, 2012.

“Read the following sequence of events and decide for yourself if it looks suspicious.

Lawrence A. Horwich & Associates prepared the Obama’s 2004 tax return.

June 15, 2005: Obama purchases home next door to Rezko for $1.65 million, $300,000 less than the asking price.

June 15, 2005: Rita Rezko, Tony’s wife purchased plot next door for $625,000 asking price.

Late 2005 early 2006: From the Kenneth J. Conner complaint against Mutual Bank filed Oct. 16, 2008. The lawsuit is still active.

“11. In late 2005 or early 2006, Conner performed an appraisal review of the Adams Appraisal (Exhibit C) per the directive of Richard Barth and James Murphy. Conner prepared a written Appraisal Review report (ARR) opining that the Adams Appraisal overvalued the Greenwood lot by a minimum of $ 125,000.00″

“18. On October 23, 2007, eight days after Conner’s October 15, 2007 email to Schlabach attached as Exhibit J, Mutual Bank terminated Conner’s employment for pretextual reasons.”

Conner later told World Net daily when he initially was fired, that the bank and the Rezkos were engaged in “fraud, bribes or kickbacks, use whatever term you want,” to benefit the Obamas.

Soon after the Blagojevich arrest, Conner was interviewed by investigators from Fitzgerald’s office.
Jan. 2006: Rita Rezko sells the Obamas one-sixth of her lot for $104,500.

Harvey Wineberg’s firm prepared the Obama’s 2005 tax return.

Harvey Wineberg is on the Obama house deed.

“WND reported in December 2008 that William Miceli, the attorney for convicted political operative Tony Rezko and a fundraiser for Obama, owns the Obama home at 5046 S. Greenwood.

Miceli is a lawyer at the Chicago law firm Miner, Barnhill & Galland, which employed Obama when he did legal work for Rezko.”

“Now, a search of records shows that, in addition to Miceli, the Obama mansion is owned by Chicago Probate Judge Jane L. Stuart and Obama accountant Harvey Wineberg, both of whom are paying taxes on the property.”

http://www.wnd.com/2011/04/289501/

December 09, 2010

The President also announced his intent to appoint Harvey S. Wineberg as a Member of the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability.  His biography is below.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2010/12/09/president-obama-announces-more-key-administration-posts

By the way,  Harvey Wineberg was the Treasurer of Obama’s 2004 Senate campaign and a bundler for Obama’s 2008 campaign.”

https://citizenwells.wordpress.com/2012/08/14/obama-tax-returns-for-2004-and-2005-rezko-deals-why-did-obama-have-harvey-wineberg-prepare-2005-tax-return-why-is-wineberg-on-deed-why-did-wineberg-get-administration-post/

Obama Chicago corruption ties are still news makers, they are just not making the news.

Except here.