Category Archives: Lawyers

Rod Blagojevich sentencing, Don’t let Blago’s sentencing distract you from other political theatrics, Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board

Rod Blagojevich sentencing, Don’t let Blago’s sentencing distract you from other political theatrics, Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board

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

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

From John Kass and the Chicago tribune December 1, 2011.

“Don’t let Blago’s sentencing distract you from other political theatrics”

“Former Gov. Dead Meat is scheduled to be sentenced at a hearing scheduled for next Tuesday and Wednesday, as Illinois taxpayers watch another corrupt governor head to prison.

Rod Blagojevich has been convicted on 17 counts of corruption, including trying to sell a U.S. Senate seat. In a court filing on Wednesday, federal prosecutors asked that Dead Meat sit in federal stir for the next 15 to 20 years.
 
During his machinations surrounding the appointment of a United States senator, and the shakedowns of hospital and racetrack executives, the defendant revealed his corrupt, criminal character,” federal prosecutors said in their court filing.

But this is still Illinois, where politics is often about distraction. So with our second consecutive governor doing the long goodbye in federal court, try to keep your eye on the shell with the pea inside.

The deadline for petitions of candidacy for judges and legislators is 5 p.m. Monday. So let’s not forget all those who get the petitions signed, all those patronage and union workers, precinct captains, guys who owe guys for favors, and just plain decent citizens who care about goodness and honesty in government.

Before it’s over, Dead Meat’s nemesis, House Speaker Mike Madigan, D-Lisa’s Daddy, will certainly exert his influence here. The Lord of Madiganistan doesn’t want you to look too closely, but he always has something to say about who gets to wear the black robes. He’s chairman of the Illinois Democratic Party, and those boys still decide who wields the gavel from the county level to the Illinois Supreme Court.

Then on Tuesday, as the Blagojevich hearing begins, more unrelated theatrics are scheduled at City Hall. City Aviation Commissioner Rosemarie Andolino, the airports czarina, has been invited to appear before the Chicago City Council’s Committee on Aviation.”

“Then on Wednesday, as Blago is likely to be standing before U.S. District Court Judge James Zagel to plead for mercy, there will be yet another important hearing in another government building.

This time, it’s a state panel, a meeting of the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board, which OKs new hospital construction.

And here’s the irony. The state board is scheduled to consider a proposal by a Wisconsin hospital group — Mercy Health System — to build a medical facility in Crystal Lake. (Mercy Health System is not affiliated with Mercy Hospital and Medical Center of Chicago.)

In 2003, Mercy Health System sought the state board’s approval on a similar project.

As federal testimony in a number of cases has explained, there was much behind-the-scenes intrigue. FBI agents got involved and by the time they were done, the federal Operation Board Games probe had exposed Republican and Democratic corruption throughout state government and led to Blagojevich’s indictment.

The feds brought down Stuart Levine, a member of the state hospital board, who pleaded guilty to extortion, bribery and money laundering. Levine rolled over and testified against others, including the recently convicted Republican boss, William Cellini.

In April of 2003, Mercy Health System hired a Levine confederate, Jacob Kiferbaum, of Kiferbaum Construction, to build the hospital. Levine testified that he thought he’d get his kickback from Kiferbaum. The state hospital panel controlled by Levine gave Mercy Health System the go-ahead for the Crystal Lake project.

Soon the feds were all over it. In 2005, a judge overturned the state board’s ruling. Kiferbaum pleaded guilty to attempted extortion in an unrelated hospital shakedown.”

Read more:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/ct-met-kass-1201-20111201,0,286190.column

USA V Blagojevich Cellini Harris Kelly Monk, December 1, 2011, Judge James B. Zagel, 10:15 AM, Courtroom 2503 (JBZ), Notice of Motion

USA V Blagojevich Cellini Harris Kelly Monk, December 1, 2011, Judge James B. Zagel, 10:15 AM, Courtroom 2503 (JBZ), Notice of Motion 

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

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

“Why has the Blagojevich defense team been denied access to the government wiretaps?”…Citizen Wells

I noticed the following Notice of Motion for today, Thursday, December 1, 2011, in the courtroom of Judge James Zagel.

Daily Calendar

Thursday, December 1, 2011  (As of 12/01/11 at 06:47:08 AM 

Honorable James B. Zagel                    Courtroom 2503 (JBZ)

1:08-cr-00888   USA v. Blagojevich                     10:15   Notice of Motion           
1:08-cr-00888   USA v. Cellini                         10:15   Notice of Motion           
1:08-cr-00888   USA v. Harris                          10:15   Notice of Motion           
1:08-cr-00888   USA v. Kelly                           10:15   Notice of Motion           
1:08-cr-00888   USA v. Monk                          10:15   Notice of Motion

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

The Chicago Tribune reports the following December 1, 2011.

“Prosecutors seek 15-20 years for Blagojevich, his lawyers seek compassion”

“Lawyers for Rod Blagojevich asked a federal judge to impose “a compassionate and proportionate sentence” on the former governor, in sharp contrast to the 15- to 20-year prison sentence sought by prosecutors earlier in the day.

“…Despite a strong and seemingly defiant exterior, no one is more acutely aware of the tragedy that has become of his life’s work and aspirations as is Mr. Blagojevich himself,” the defense said in its 69-page filing Wednesday evening.

Blagojevich’s lawyers continued to maintain his innocence despite the verdicts of two separate juries and argued that Blagojevich shouldn’t be hit with a lengthy prison sentence because the prosecution and publicity has already resulted in his “personal ruination, public scorn and criminal conviction.”

Without elaborating, the filing said the three years since Blagojevich’s arrest have “taken a toll” on his mental and physical health and resulted in “anxiety, stress and uncertainty” for his two daughters.

The lawyers referred to Blagojevich’s media offensive, saying it was a response “for good or for bad” to press coverage, and said that his and wife Patti’s reality show appearances weren’t intended to garner public support but rather to make money to support their daughters.

”His family is close to bankruptcy,” the defense wrote. “He has suffered every kind of public ridicule and humiliation imaginable – to the point that foreign tourists can often be found posing for photos on the outside staircase to his family home.”

But in their 21-page filing, prosecutors say Blagojevich merits much harsher punishment because he “repeatedly committed serious criminal acts that have done enormous damage to public confidence in Illinois government. He has refused to accept any responsibility for his criminal conduct and, rather, has repeatedly obstructed justice and taken action to further erode respect for the law.

“While the government is not unsympathetic to the plight that Blagojevich, like many criminals, has inflicted upon his family through his criminal acts, Blagojevich has nobody to blame but himself for the criminal conduct in which he engaged.”

The sentencing memo highlights some of Blagojevich’s misdeeds, including his attempt to trade an appointment to the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama for $1.5 million in campaign cash, his shakedown of a CEO of a children’s hospital for $25,000 and his stalling of a bill to help the state horse industry in an effort to earn another $100,000 in campaign contributions.

“Over the course of a relatively brief period of time, during his machinations surrounding the appointment of a United States Senator, and the shakedowns of hospital and racetrack executives, the defendant revealed his corrupt, criminal character,” prosecutors said. “But, as the evidence and Blagojevich’s conduct at his trials established, these were not isolated incidents. They were part and parcel of an approach to public office that defendant adopted from the moment he became governor in 2002.”

Prosecutors noted that Blagojevich was elected governor in 2002 on a platform to end “pay-to-play” politics and decried corruption following the conviction in 2006 of his predecessor, Gov. George Ryan.”

Read more:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-prosecutors-want-1520-years-for-blagojevich-20111130,0,4535135.story

Rod Blagojevich sentencing, December 6, 2011, Judge James B. Zagel, 10:00 AM, Courtroom 2503 (JBZ), Tapes motion denied, John Wyma Testimony?

Rod Blagojevich sentencing, December 6, 2011, Judge James B. Zagel, 10:00 AM, Courtroom 2503 (JBZ), Tapes motion denied, John Wyma Testimony?

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

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

“Why has the Blagojevich defense team been denied access to the government wiretaps?”…Citizen Wells

Rod Blagojevich, former governor of Illinois, is scheduled for sentencing next Tuesday, December 6, 2011 in the courtroom of Judge James B Zagel.

Daily Calendar

Tuesday, December 6, 2011  (As of 11/29/11 at 05:47:57 AM 

Honorable James B. Zagel                    Courtroom 2503 (JBZ)

1:08-cr-00888   USA v. Blagojevich                     10:00   Sentencing

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

Once again the Blagojevich defense team has been denied access to over 150 wiretaps. Of course this means we have been denied access as well.

From the Chicago Tribune November 28, 2011.

“Judge denies Blagojevich request to hear new tapes”

“The federal judge who will sentence Rod Blagojevich had harsh words for the former Illinois governor’s attorneys as he denied a request Monday to play new federal wiretap tapes in court.

Blagojevich was convicted at two separate trials on 18 corruption counts, including allegations he tried to sell or trade President Barack Obama’s vacated U.S. Senate seat. Blagojevich will be sentenced next week, and his lawyers last week submitted a list of 180 secret tape recordings the FBI made of the governor and others.

Parts of some recordings were played during his trials, but Blagojevich has long argued that authorities should “play all the tapes.” He says some of the recordings hold evidence demonstrating his innocence.

But Judge James Zagel said Blagojevich’s attorneys hadn’t said what they specifically wanted to prove and what sections of the tapes they wanted to use, echoing complaints made by federal prosecutors.

“What this motion requests is my blind approval of the use of whatever excerpts it decides are relevant to `lack of ill intent’ and admissible … at sentencing,” Zagel said. “That request is denied.””

“The judge scheduled a Friday hearing on another Blagojevich request related to a government witness, John Wyma. Blagojevich’s attorneys are questioning whether Wyma helped the government “in exchange for a government benefit.” Prosecutors denied that allegation at trial.”

Read more:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-ap-us-blagojevichtrial-,0,1987167.story

From the Chicago SunTimes November 28, 2011.

“Blago’s lawyers want hearing based on new John Wyma information”

“Rod Blagojevich’s lawyers are asking for a special hearing to discuss what they say is new information regarding a key witness at the former governor’s trial.

They are asking U.S. District Judge James Zagel for an evidentiary hearing regarding the testimony of onetime Blagojevich friend and lobbyist John Wyma, arguing they weren’t allowed to properly cross examine him at trial. It was Wyma’s cooperation in 2008 that led to FBI wiretaps against the now-convicted ex-governor.

In a weekend filing, lawyers questioned whether the government properly vetted information against Wyma that was provided by a cooperating Tony Rezko. Rezko, a onetime fund-raiser to Blagojevich convicted on 16 counts of corruption, was sentenced to 10 ½ years last week.

In filings regarding Rezko’s sentencing, Wyma’s cooperation with the government is discussed, including that Rezko told prosecutors that he tried to extract a campaign contribution through Wyma from Provena Health, whom Wyma represented as a lobbyist at the time.

Lawyers question whether bribery was involved when Provena was granted a certificate of need from an Illinois hospital board. Rezko told prosecutors in private sessions that Provena had a dispute with someone on the hospital board and resolved it by paying the board member, according to the Blagojevich defense filing. Prosecutors say the charge was unsubstantiated.

“Blagojevich did not have any knowledge about and was absolutely unaware of the Provena activities of Rezko and Wyma,” the filing says.

It says after Rezko gave the information to prosecutors, Wyma was hit with a subpoena.

“Shortly after Wyma received this grand jury subpoena, he agreed to be, and became, an informant for the government. This allowed the government to obtain a wiretap on Blagojevich’s telephones,” lawyers wrote.

After the taps were secured, Blagojevich’s lawyers said, prosecutors deemed Rezko’s information “not substantiated.”

“If the incriminating evidence against Wyma was not substantiated because it was not investigated, the government’s statement is misleading,” defense lawyers wrote.

Provena officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

Blagojevich’s lawyer, Shelly Sorosky, said the new information was based on filings before Rezko’s sentencing, where both sides agree Rezko’s cooperation led the government to Wyma.”

Read more:
http://www.suntimes.com/9114418-417/blagos-lawyers-want-hearing-based-on-new-john-wyma-information.html

Rod Blagojevich lawyers request special hearing, John Wyma testimony, Judge James Zagel, Tony Rezko, Provena Health, Evidentiary hearing request

Rod Blagojevich lawyers request special hearing, John Wyma testimony, Judge James Zagel, Tony Rezko, Provena Health, Evidentiary hearing request

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

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

From the Chicago SunTimes November 28, 2011.

“Blago’s lawyers want hearing based on new John Wyma information”

“Rod Blagojevich’s lawyers are asking for a special hearing to discuss what they say is new information regarding a key witness at the former governor’s trial.

They are asking U.S. District Judge James Zagel for an evidentiary hearing regarding the testimony of onetime Blagojevich friend and lobbyist John Wyma, arguing they weren’t allowed to properly cross examine him at trial. It was Wyma’s cooperation in 2008 that led to FBI wiretaps against the now-convicted ex-governor.

In a weekend filing, lawyers questioned whether the government properly vetted information against Wyma that was provided by a cooperating Tony Rezko. Rezko, a onetime fund-raiser to Blagojevich convicted on 16 counts of corruption, was sentenced to 10 ½ years last week.

In filings regarding Rezko’s sentencing, Wyma’s cooperation with the government is discussed, including that Rezko told prosecutors that he tried to extract a campaign contribution through Wyma from Provena Health, whom Wyma represented as a lobbyist at the time.

Lawyers question whether bribery was involved when Provena was granted a certificate of need from an Illinois hospital board. Rezko told prosecutors in private sessions that Provena had a dispute with someone on the hospital board and resolved it by paying the board member, according to the Blagojevich defense filing. Prosecutors say the charge was unsubstantiated.

“Blagojevich did not have any knowledge about and was absolutely unaware of the Provena activities of Rezko and Wyma,” the filing says.

It says after Rezko gave the information to prosecutors, Wyma was hit with a subpoena.

“Shortly after Wyma received this grand jury subpoena, he agreed to be, and became, an informant for the government. This allowed the government to obtain a wiretap on Blagojevich’s telephones,” lawyers wrote.

After the taps were secured, Blagojevich’s lawyers said, prosecutors deemed Rezko’s information “not substantiated.”

“If the incriminating evidence against Wyma was not substantiated because it was not investigated, the government’s statement is misleading,” defense lawyers wrote.

Provena officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

Blagojevich’s lawyer, Shelly Sorosky, said the new information was based on filings before Rezko’s sentencing, where both sides agree Rezko’s cooperation led the government to Wyma.”

Read more:
http://www.suntimes.com/9114418-417/blagos-lawyers-want-hearing-based-on-new-john-wyma-information.html

Thanks to commenter Bessie.

Blagojevich attorneys request tapes, Judge James Zagel, Off limits wiretaps, 2 percent played touch Obama

Blagojevich attorneys request tapes, Judge James Zagel, Off limits wiretaps, 2 percent played touch Obama

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

“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

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

From NBC Chicago November 25, 2011.

“Blago Attorneys Want Off-Limits Tapes Heard”

“While most Chicagoans were feasting on their own Thanksgiving dinners, convicted former Governor Rod Blagojevich and his family gathered for what was likely one of the former governor’s last holidays at home before he begins serving a term in federal prison.

At the same time, his lawyers were filing the legal equivalent of a Hail Mary as Blagojevich’s sentencing date approaches.
Blagojevich and his attorneys have asked Judge James Zagel for permission to reference portions of until-now confidential undercover recordings. The tapes were previously branded off-limits by Zagel in April of 2009.

“The defense does not seek to play any wiretap recordings in their entirety,” the lawyers wrote. “The brief excerpts of recordings or transcripts that Mr. Blagojevich is seeking to play in court and to reference in his written sentencing submission…do not involve sensitive, personal, or embarrassing comments about, or references to, any individuals.”

The lawyers reference over 150 tapes. While most involve conversations between Blagojevich and his advisors, at least one features the former governor speaking with his wife and daughters. Several involve then-congressman Rahm Emanuel, and still another feature luminaries as diverse as former school board chief Gery Chico, former alderman Ed Smith, and White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf.”

http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Blagojevich-Blago-Attorneys-Tapes-134487403.html

From Citizen Wells July 18, 2011.

“Rod Blagojevich and his lawyers have long complained that prosecutors and the judge in his two trials were fundamentally unfair, but after his sweeping corruption conviction Monday, only a successful appeal built on that belief stands between the former governor and a possible double-digit prison sentence.
From early denials of Blagojevich’s demands to “play all the tapes” in his case, to U.S. District Judge James Zagel’s limiting of the former governor’s defense at his retrial, Blagojevich has always felt handcuffed, said one of his lawyers, Sam Adam Jr.”

“The appeal will likely argue that in both trials, the judge unfairly barred the defense from playing many undercover recordings critical to its case, severely limited cross-examination of government witnesses and allowed too many jurors who professed bias onto the panel, Adam said.
The government was allowed to play at trial more than 90 of the secretly made recordings of Blagojevich, Adam said, while the defense was allowed just four.
“The jury only got to hear one side of the tapes,” Adam said. “If you do that, you’re going to guarantee a conviction.”
In a mistrial motion filed June 9 as closing arguments were under way, the team of defense lawyers at the retrial accused Zagel of bias and having a “closed mind” on the evidence.”

“The Federal rules on discovery are crystal clear.
“Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure”
“IV. ARRAIGNMENT AND PREPARATION FOR TRIAL > Rule 16.
Rule 16. Discovery and Inspection
(a) Government’s Disclosure.
(1) Information Subject to Disclosure.”
“(B) Defendant’s Written or Recorded Statement.
Upon a defendant’s request, the government must disclose to the defendant, and make available for inspection, copying, or photographing, all of the following:
(i) any relevant written or recorded statement by the defendant if:
•the statement is within the government’s possession, custody, or control; and
•the attorney for the government knows — or through due diligence could know — that the statement exists;”

https://citizenwells.wordpress.com/2011/07/18/blagojevich-appeal-federal-rules-of-criminal-procedure-denial-of-tapes-setup-federal-discovery-rules-clear/

Only 2 percent of the wiretaps were released. From that small amount we learn the following.

Stuart Levine Steven Loren status hearing, Judge Amy J. St. Eve, Thursday, December 1, 2011, Obama Rezko problem

Stuart Levine Steven Loren status hearing, Judge  Amy J. St. Eve, Thursday, December 1, 2011, Obama Rezko problem

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

“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

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

Tony Rezko has been sentenced to 10.5 years. Rezko was clearly the fall guy. That is why he was prosecuted before Rod Blagojevich, the Governor of Illinois, and kept away from the public and the press. That doesn’t mean that Obama doesn’t have a Rezko problem. Rod Blagojevich and Daniel Frawley have not been sentenced yet and Stuart Levine and Steven Loren have a status hearing next Thursday, December 1, 2011 in the courtroom of  Judge  Amy J. St. Eve.              

Daily Calendar

Thursday, December 1, 2011  (As of 11/24/11 at 02:47:58 PM 

Honorable Amy J. St. Eve                    Courtroom 1241 (ASE)

1:05-cr-00691   USA v. Levine                          08:45   Status Hearing             
1:05-cr-00691   USA v. Loren                           08:45   Status Hearing

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

Tony Rezko sentenced to 126 months, November 22, 2011, Judge Amy J. St. Eve, Rezko never called as witness, 10 1/2 year sentence

Tony Rezko sentenced to 126 months,  November 22, 2011, Judge Amy J. St. Eve, Rezko never called as witness, 10 1/2 year sentence

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

“I’m assuming the information is about the payments made by Rezko to Obama, so we know we’re talking about the right conversation, right?” …Attorney Daniel Konicek, Frawley Deposition

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

“Why was Tony Rezko’s sentencing delayed?”…Citizen Wells

Tony Rezko, a longtime associate and friend of Barack Obama, who was convicted in June 0f 2008 and never called as a witness, was sentenced today in the courtroom of Judge Amy J. St. Eve. Rezko was sentenced to 126 months.

Live feeds from courtroom by Natasha Korecki of the Chicago SunTimes:

“Line for Rezko sentencing already stretching down court hallway. Two rows of his family in place in courtroom.”

“Rezko looks over to his daughter briefly and she grows emotional. His lawyer now giving Rezko history to judge.”

“Rezko lawyer says Lon Monk far more culpable in Blagojevich probe but got 24-month deal.”

“Lawyer says Rezko, 56, is bankrupt and will never act criminally again.. ” I cannot overstate how remorseful Mr. Rezko is.””

“Prosecutor’s turn now in Rezko. Says his conduct was “about as bad as it gets in a pol corruption case…Illinois was for sale.”

“Rezko clearly agitated as prosecutor says Rezko overstated bad conditions in county jail. Says Rezko got sunlight — through skylights.”

“Tony Rezko sentenced to 126 months in prison. He’s already served about 44.”

http://twitter.com/#!/natashakorecki

Tony Rezko sentencing Tuesday, November 22, 2011, Rezko history since conviction, Rezko fall guy?, Daniel Frawley sentencing delayed

Tony Rezko sentencing Tuesday, November 22, 2011, Rezko history since conviction, Rezko fall guy?, Daniel Frawley sentencing delayed

“The last thing Sen. Barack Obama and Gov. Rod Blagojevich needed was that letter written by convicted Illinois influence peddler Tony Rezko promising he’d never rat out his pals.”… John Kass, Chicago Tribune

If the prosecution insists on going forward, I have two words for them: Rezko and Levine,” Cavise said. “They know where all the bodies are buried.””…Leonard Cavise,  DePaul University professor

“Why was Tony Rezko’s sentencing delayed?”…Citizen Wells

Tony Rezko is scheduled to be sentenced today, Tuesday, November 22, 2011 in the courtroom of Judge Amy St. Eve at 9:30 AM. Rezko, convicted in June of 2008 has never been called as a witness. Here is a history of Rezko activity since being convicted.

June 8, 2008 conviction.

Breakdown of Counts
• Guilty on 12 of 15 counts mail/wire fraud
• Not Guilty on 1 count attempted extortion
• Guilty on 2 of 6 counts corrupt solicitation
• Guilty on 2 counts money laundering

August 28, 2008

“As his sentencing nears, pressure is mounting on Tony Rezko to cooperate with federal investigations into some of the highest-profile politicians in the state — including Gov. Blagojevich.”

“Now, sources tell the Chicago Sun-Times that Rezko has been seen at the federal courthouse as many as a dozen times since his June conviction. He’s been held since then at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in downtown Chicago.”

“If Rezko’s cooperating, that would be a major development in “Operation Board Games,” the government’s ongoing probe into state boards that’s widened into a broader corruption probe.”

https://citizenwells.wordpress.com/2008/08/28/rezko-obama-tony-rezko-talking-john-thomas-chicago-suntimes-article-august-28-2008-is-rezko-working-with-the-feds/

October 9, 2008

“A federal judge this morning officially postponed the sentencing of political fund-raiser Tony Rezko as he continues his discussions with the government.

U.S. District Judge Amy St. Eve indefinitely delayed Rezko’s Oct. 28 sentencing date and told the parties to meet again for a status in the case in December.
The sentencing, originally scheduled for Oct. 28, just before the election, was likely to bring unfavorable publicity to Rezko’s onetime friend Democratic Presidential nominee Barack Obama.

Prosecutors and Rezko lawyers said this morning they did not want to set a future date for sentencing.

Rezko lawyer William Ziegelmueller said they sought the delay to “work together to agree to otherwise narrow differences at sentencing.”

The agreement comes as Rezko is talking to federal prosecutors. The Sun-Times first reported Rezko’s meetings with the feds in August and sources close to the investigation later confirmed the talks last month.”

(Link not active)

http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/rezko/1208918,rezko100808.article

December 16, 2008

“Jailed political fundraiser Tony Rezko’s sentencing for corruption was delayed indefinitely Tuesday, most likely adding to the legal problems of embattled Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

The sentencing date of Jan. 6 was erased by U.S. District Judge Amy J. St. Eve. The action appeared to signal that Rezko’s on-again, off-again relationship with the federal prosecutors investigating Illinois government was on again.

Both federal spokesman Randall Samborn and Rezko’s chief defense counsel, Joseph Duffy, declined to comment after the hearing. Duffy responded to a blizzard of questions by saying, “Merry Christmas, everybody.”

Rezko was a major adviser to Blagojevich and raised more than $1 million for his campaign fund. He started talking to federal prosecutors last summer, a few weeks after he was convicted of fraud, money laundering and bribery-related counts in June.

Then he stopped talking and demanded to be sentenced as soon as possible. Now that January date is canceled.”

https://citizenwells.wordpress.com/2008/12/16/tony-rezko-sentencing-delayed-judge-st-eve-delays-again-december-16-2008-rezko-blagojevich-and-obama-linked-rezko-contributions-to-obama-obama-indictment-next/

February 3, 2009

“Convicted businessman Tony Rezko — who is poised to become a crucial witness in the massive corruption case against ex-Gov. Blagojevich — was quietly moved out of a downtown jail and into another facility last month, the Sun-Times has learned.
Authorities seeking Rezko’s cooperation pushed for the move after Rezko complained about being held in the tough confines of solitary imprisonment, known as “the hole,” even as he was providing information to prosecutors, sources said.”

 
“Rezko’s relocation is a sign that even with thousands of taped conversations of the governor, investigators still highly value Rezko’s potential as a witness.”
“Rezko, who served as an adviser and fund-raiser to Blagojevich, provided authorities with substantial information involving the governor and bolstered pay-to-play testimony by former Illinois Finance Authority director Ali Ata, as well as talking about other alleged deals.”

http://blogs.suntimes.com/rezko/2009/02/prosecutors_help_move_rezko_ou.html

July 21, 2010

“What unholy alliance prevented Tony Rezko from being called as a prosecution witness? Was it a pact between Rezko, Blagojevich and Obama? Is the US Justice Department complicit in a coverup? Was there pressure from entities in the Middle East? Perhaps a combination of those forces. ”

https://citizenwells.wordpress.com/2010/07/21/blagojevich-trial-us-justice-department-corruption-protecting-obama-part-5-tony-rezko-and-stuart-levine-are-best-witnesses-where-is-tony-rezko-why-hasnt-rezko-been-sentenced/

November 5, 2010

“Antoin “Tony” Rezko, once a top adviser and contributor to former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, will be sentenced Jan. 28 for his role in a scheme to solicit kickbacks from companies seeking state contracts.

Rezko was not at the hearing this morning at which U.S. District Judge Amy St. Eve set the sentencing date.

Rezko has agreed to cooperate against Blagojevich but wasn’t called to testify at the former governor’s trial last summer. With Blagojevich’s retrial set to begin in April, Rezko’s sentencing months before could signal he is unlikely to be called again. Defendants usually aren’t sentencing until after their cooperation has been completed.

A sentencing date was not set today for Rezko’s co-defendants, Stuart Levine, Joseph Cari and Steven Loren, who will next return to federal court for a status hearing in March.”

https://citizenwells.com/2010/11/05/rezko-sentencing-january-28-2011-rezko-witness-at-blagojevich-trial-rezko-agreed-to-cooperate/

January 8, 2011

“With the agreement of lawyers on both sides, a federal judge on Thursday indefinitely postponed the sentencing of Antoin “Tony” Rezko, keeping open the possibility that the government could call the former top fundraiser for Rod Blagojevich at the former governor’s retrial.

Prosecutors didn’t call Rezko at Blagojevich’s trial last year, but the government could be re-evaluating that since the jury deadlocked on all but one count against the former governor. He was convicted of lying to the FBI.

Rezko began to cooperate with investigators after a federal jury convicted him in 2008 of extorting millions of dollars from firms seeking state business. He was scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 28. He also faces sentencing for a separate conviction stemming from a fraudulent loan scheme.”

“Prosecutors gave no indication if Rezko would be called to testify in the Blagojevich retrial or the trial of co-defendant William Cellini, a Springfield powerbroker, in August.”

https://citizenwells.wordpress.com/2011/01/08/rezko-sentencing-delayed-indefinitely-blagojevich-trial-cellini-trial-obama-trial/

January 29, 2011

“A federal judge has set a new sentencing date for a convicted influence peddler and one-time fundraiser for former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Judge Amy St. Eve told attorneys at a hearing Friday that she’ll sentence Tony Rezko on Oct. 21.

Rezko’s attorneys and prosecutors had asked the judge earlier to delay Rezko’s sentencing to allow for the possibility he could testify at two upcoming trials, including Blagojevich’s corruption retrial in April.

At Friday’s hearing, the defense also argued in favor of a new trial for Rezko based on a U.S. Supreme Court ruling scaling back so-called honest services laws.”

https://citizenwells.wordpress.com/2011/01/29/tony-rezko-sentencing-october-21-2011-blagojevich-trial-witness-rezko-blagojevich-obama-board-rigging/

March 3, 2011

“A federal judge has denied a request from a former fundraiser for impeached ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich to throw out his 2008 convictions and grant him a new trial.”

“But Judge Amy St. Eve writes in a Thursday ruling that straightforward kickbacks and bribery underpinned Rezko’s convictions — not the disputed legal notion that he failed to provide honest services.”

“Prosecutors accused Rezko of squeezing kickbacks from people seeking state business. Rezko’s cooperated with prosecutors in Blagojevich’s ongoing corruption case and agreed to delay his sentencing until after the former governor’s retrial.”

https://citizenwells.wordpress.com/2011/03/03/rezko-denied-new-trial-judge-amy-st-eve-denied-request-rezko-cooperated-in-blagojevich-trial-why-rezko-not-a-witness/

May 31, 2011

“As a pale, thin-looking Tony Rezko admitted Thursday his two-plus years in jail is wearing on him, the convicted businessman became a possible factor in former Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s April retrial.

Rezko’s January sentencing was postponed to leave open the possibility that the onetime powerful political fund-raiser could testify in either Blagojevich’s trial or that of Downstate businessmen William Cellini, Rezko’s lawyer said. However, prosecutors did not say whether they would tap Rezko.

Meanwhile, Rezko, who spoke briefly at a federal court hearing Thursday, revealed for the first time where he’s being housed — about 150 miles away inside the Dodge County, Wis., lock-up.

“These have been very tough times. … I’ve not seen the outside,’’ Rezko told U.S. District Judge Amy St. Eve. “I have no contact with my family since I’ve been moved to Dodge.’’

A Dodge County jail official said Rezko was moved to the facility Dec. 16, 2008.”
“Rezko’s lawyers said the convicted businessman would like to reap the benefits of testifying and possibly receive a lighter sentence. But he will not seek a delay in sentencing beyond September.”

https://citizenwells.wordpress.com/2011/05/31/tony-rezko-may-2011-court-hearing-rezko-witness-in-blagojevich-trial-rezko-jailed-in-dodge-countywisconsin/

October 3, 2011

“U.S. District Judge Amy St. Eve agreed Monday to a request by prosecutors to delay Rezko’s sentencing — which was most recently set for Oct. 21 — until Nov. 22 so the sentencing doesn’t interfere with the trial of Springfield businessman and longtime political power broker William Cellini.”

https://citizenwells.wordpress.com/2011/10/03/tony-rezko-sentencing-delayed-again-until-november-22-2011-october-3-2011-hearing-rezko-sentenced-after-cellini-trial/

Daniel Frawley, an ex partner of Rezko, scheduled for sentencing yesterday, apparently had his sentencing delayed.

The sentencing of Tony Rezko today will be revealing. Will Rezko be the fall guy or will the deal struck in 2006 protect Rezko as well?

Concord Monitor NH Obama ballot eligibility articles, Maddie Hanna, Obama birth certificate, Orly Taitz challenge, New Hampshire law violation?, Citizen Wells email

Concord Monitor NH Obama ballot eligibility articles, Maddie Hanna, Obama birth certificate, Orly Taitz challenge, New Hampshire law violation?, Citizen Wells email

“Why has Obama, since taking the White House, used Justice Department Attorneys, at taxpayer expense,  to avoid presenting a legitimate birth certificate and college records?”…Citizen Wells

“Live Free or Die”…New Hampshire State Motto

First of all I would like to thank Maddie Hanna and the Concord Monitor for covering the Orly Taitz challenge of Obama’s eligibility to be on the New Hampshire ballot. It appears that an attempt was made to present both sides of the story. However, the incorrect, often repeated, mainstream media version of Obama’s birth certificate stories was presented. I sent Maddie Hanna the following email this morning.
“In your recent articles about the Obama eligibility ballot challenge you stated:
 
“The administration released Obama’s birth certificate from the state
of Hawaii in 2008. When that didn’t satisfy the skeptics, it posted a
long-form version online earlier this year.”
 
That is incorrect.
The document placed on the internet by some entities in 2008 is a COLB.
We have no proof that the image was legitimate. But given what a COLB represents, it does not matter.
Certification of Live Birth. Or as Lou Dobbs on CNN stated “A document that refers to another document.”
Per Hawaii law one did not have to be born in Hawaii to get one.
 
The image placed on WhiteHouse.gov this year is not proven by a legitimate chain of document.
Also, particulary damning is the following from the bottom of the image.
“I certify that this is a true copy or abstract of the record on file”
Since Obama could be born elsewhere and per HI law have birth records on file,
the word abstract immediately rules out the image as absolute proof of HI birth.
 
Perhaps the most damning information of all is what I have been presenting for years.
 
Why has Obama, since taking the White House, used Justice Department Attorneys, at taxpayer expense,  to avoid presenting a legitimate birth certificate and college records?
 
I hope that you want the truth.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, please contact me.”

I would also like to point out that news sites outside of the state of NH revealed that apparently the NH Ballot Law Commission is in violation of NH law.

“CHAPTER 665
BALLOT LAW COMMISSION

General Provisions

665:1 Organization. I. There shall be a ballot law commission
consisting of 5 members. Two members shall be appointed by the speaker
of the house of representatives, one from each of the 2 major
political parties in the state based on votes cast for governor in the
most recent state general election. Two members shall be appointed by
the president of the senate, one from each of the 2 major political
parties in the state based on votes cast for governor in the most
recent state general election.”

http://www.sos.nh.gov/665-web2011.pdf

The Concord Monitor article:

http://www.concordmonitor.com/article/293382/birther-bid-to-derail-obama-blocked

I anxiously await a response from Maddie Hanna and welcome any dialogue to arrive at the truth in any of these matters.

Wells

NH Obama ballot challenge denied, New Hampshire Ballot Law Commission all Democrats?, Obama eligibility, NH law violated

NH Obama ballot challenge denied, New Hampshire Ballot Law Commission all Democrats?, Obama eligibility, NH law violated

“Why has Obama, since taking the White House, used Justice Department Attorneys, at taxpayer expense,  to avoid presenting a legitimate birth certificate and college records?”…Citizen Wells

“Live Free or Die”…New Hampshire State Motto

From the Concord Monitor November 19, 2011.

“‘Birther’ bid to derail Obama blocked
Ballot Law Commission members called traitors”

“As state election officials yesterday rejected California lawyer
Orly Taitz’s argument to keep President Obama’s name off the New
Hampshire presidential ballot, supporters lining the hearing room in
the Legislative Office Building cried out in protest.

“Traitors!” shouted one woman. “Spineless traitors!”

“Saying a treasonous liar can go on our ballot?” yelled State Rep.
Harry Accornero, a Republican from Laconia. “You’re going to have to
face the citizens of Laconia. You better wear a mask.”

The spectacle before the state Ballot Law Commission began with a
presentation by Taitz, who came to Concord yesterday afternoon to
continue her years-long

demand for proof of Obama’s U.S. citizenship.

Taitz, a dentist who was born in the Soviet Union, is running as a
Republican for a seat in the California Senate and runs what she bills
as the “world’s leading Obama eligibility challenge website,” refuses
to accept the veracity of the birth certificates released by the White
House in response to questions circulating through chain emails and on
the internet about Obama’s birth.

The administration released Obama’s birth certificate from the state
of Hawaii in 2008. When that didn’t satisfy the skeptics, it posted a
long-form version online earlier this year.

But Taitz insists that document is fake: The computer file is layered
and could have been altered with the Adobe Illustrator program, she
said.

“A child can see this is a forgery,” she told the commission. “Why are
they refusing to show the public the original?”

She also claims Obama doesn’t have a valid Social Security number.
Included in the 85-page packet Taitz submitted to the commission is a
tax return with “a number that was never assigned to him,” Taitz said.
She said Obama is using a Social Security number issued in Connecticut
around 1977.

In conducting her research, Taitz said she also found several birth
dates associated with Obama in a national database. And she found
information that she said contradicts Obama’s claim about the length
of time he spent attending Columbia University, which claims the
president as a 1983 graduate.

“We have an individual where we don’t know who he is,” Taitz said. “We
need to know that the person who is at the helm of this country, who
is leading our military, whose finger is on the red button of nuclear
weapons, has proper identification.”

She told the commission members they would be responsible for “the
most egregious election fraud ever committed” if they didn’t take
Obama’s name off the ballot.

“This is bigger than Watergate. This is a hundred times bigger than
Watergate,” Taitz said. “Ladies and gentlemen, in your hands is
national security for the United States of America.”

But the commission wasn’t convinced.”

“”I want to say, the Constitution is what makes America great,”
Sullivan said, drawing applause from the room.

It was out of the commission’s purview, however. Senior Assistant
Attorney General James Boffetti told commission members they could
only consider whether Obama had filed his declaration of candidacy
form in accordance with state law and paid his $1,000 filing fee. Both
form and fee were properly submitted by Vice President Joe Biden on
Oct. 20, according to Assistant Secretary of State Karen Ladd.

The five members voted unanimously to keep Obama’s name on the ballot.

Their response to the testimony during the hearing angered many of
those in the room, including state representatives.

“Unbelievable,” fumed state Rep. Susan DeLemus, a Republican from
Rochester, walking around the room during a break in the hearing,
before the commission took its vote.

“Let’s just bury the Constitution now and have a funeral,” DeLemus
said. “It just makes me want to throw up.””

Read more:

http://www.concordmonitor.com/article/293382/birther-bid-to-derail-obama-blocked

From Commenter Starla

Submitted on 2011/11/19 at 1:44 am

““NEW HAMPSHIRE ELCTIONS COMMITTEE RULES THEY DON’T HAVE JURISDICTION
IN CRIMINAL MATTERS”

Obama Release Your Records on 2:00 PM
Friday, November 18, 2011

“NEW HAMPSHIRE ELECTIONS COMMITTEE RULES THEY DON’T HAVE JURISDICTION
IN CRIMINAL MATTERS: ACCEPTS OBAMA’S BALLOT ACCESS PAPERWORK FOR 2012;
COMMITTEE MEMBERS BOOED AND CAQLLED TRAITORS”

http://obamareleaseyourrecords.blogspot.com/2011/11/new-hampshire-elections-committee-rules.html?showComment=1321679292167#c3169759953344384191

* * * *

“As long as I am an American citizen and American blood runs in these
veins I shall hold myself at liberty to speak, to write, and to
publish whatever I please on any subject.” – Elijah Parish
Lovejoy(1802-1837)

* * * *

Comments Under The Above Article:

Anonymous said…

“OH, YES, THANK GOD THEY WERE CALLED TRAITORS. THEY SHOULD BE CHARGED
WITH TREASON…..ALL OF THOSE NOT INVESTIGATING THE EVIDENCE WITHIN THAT
COMMITTEE SHOULD BE ARRESTED. WHERE ARE THE POLICE AND THE SHERIFFS?
THEY MUST ALL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR TREASONABLE ACTIONS.
PEOPLE JUST KEEP WRITING AND WRITING FOR WE MUST SAVE OUR COUNTRY FROM
ALL OF THESE TRAITORS. “IN GOD WE TRUST.”

November 18, 2011

* * * *

Anonymous said:

“If Orly is right about all 5 members being a Democrat, then she has a
solid appeals case for the NH Supreme Court. Here is part of the law:

http://www.sos.nh.gov/665-web2011.pdf

CHAPTER 665
BALLOT LAW COMMISSION

General Provisions

665:1 Organization. I. There shall be a ballot law commission
consisting of 5 members. Two members shall be appointed by the speaker
of the house of representatives, one from each of the 2 major
political parties in the state based on votes cast for governor in the
most recent state general election. Two members shall be appointed by
the president of the senate, one from each of the 2 major political
parties in the state based on votes cast for governor in the most
recent state general election.”

November 18, 2011″

* * * *

“NEW HAMPSHIRE ELCTIONS COMMITTEE RULES THEY DON’T HAVE JURISDICTION
IN CRIMINAL MATTERS”

Obama Release Your Records on 2:00 PM
Friday, November 18, 2011

“NEW HAMPSHIRE ELECTIONS COMMITTEE RULES THEY DON’T HAVE JURISDICTION
IN CRIMINAL MATTERS:   ACCEPTS OBAMA’S BALLOT ACCESS PAPERWORK FOR
2012; COMMITTEE MEMBERS BOOED AND CAQLLED TRAITORS”

http://obamareleaseyourrecords.blogspot.com/2011/11/new-hampshire-elections-committee-rules.html?showComment=1321679292167#c3169759953344384191

* * * *

“As long as I am an American citizen and American blood runs in these
veins I shall hold myself at liberty to speak, to write, and to
publish whatever I please on any subject.” – Elijah Parish
Lovejoy(1802-1837)

* * * *

Comments Under The Above Article:

Anonymous said…

“OH, YES, THANK GOD THEY WERE CALLED TRAITORS. THEY SHOULD BE CHARGED
WITH TREASON…..ALL OF THOSE NOT INVESTIGATING THE EVIDENCE WITHIN
THAT COMMITTEE SHOULD BE ARRESTED. WHERE ARE THE POLICE AND THE
SHERIFFS? THEY MUST ALL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR TREASONABLE
ACTIONS. PEOPLE JUST KEEP WRITING AND WRITING FOR WE MUST SAVE OUR
COUNTRY FROM ALL OF THESE TRAITORS. “IN GOD WE TRUST.”

November 18, 2011

* * * *

Anonymous said:

“If Orly is right about all 5 members being a Democrat, then she has a
solid appeals case for the NH Supreme Court. Here is part of the law:

http://www.sos.nh.gov/665-web2011.pdf

CHAPTER 665
BALLOT LAW COMMISSION

General Provisions

665:1 Organization. I. There shall be a ballot law commission
consisting of 5 members. Two members shall be appointed by the speaker
of the house of representatives, one from each of the 2 major
political parties in the state based on votes cast for governor in the
most recent state general election. Two members shall be appointed by
the president of the senate, one from each of the 2 major political
parties in the state based on votes cast for governor in the most
recent state general election.”

November 18, 2011″”

Submitted on 2011/11/19 at 1:14 am

““EXCLUSIVE: ORLY TAITZ REPORTS ON NEW HAMPSHIRE BALLOT COMMISSION HEARING”

“PEOPLE WERE SCREAMING, ‘TRAITORS!’”

By Sharon Rondeau
© 2011, The Post & Email
November 18, 2011

Excerpt:

“Everybody jumped to their feet. They were screaming and yelling and
saying, “Traitors! You’re traitors! You have no decency! You have no
honesty! You’re committing treason!” It was huge. Cameras were
rolling, and they had to call security. (Rep.) Harry Accornero started
yelling at to the chair of the committee and the corrupt attorney, and
the attorney, Brad E. Cook, said, “Representative Accornero, you are
out of order.” And Accornero said, “No, you are out of order; you are
committing treason. You have to face the people of the state of New
Hampshire, and you better not get out of the house without a mask!”

I’ve never seen anything like it. People were so mad that I thought,
“In another minute, they’re going to bring a rope and start hanging
them all.” Representative Carol Vita kept getting right in the face of
the assistant attorney general; she was yelling and screaming at him.

Taitz reported that no one was hurt as a result of the hearing, which
lasted about two hours in total. She reported that Rep. Accornero said
that members of the New Hampshire House of Representatives went to the
Speaker of the House, and a meeting is set for Tuesday when they will
decide what to do. “I’m going to write an emergency appeal to the
Supreme Court of New Hampshire. Members of the House are going to join
my other cases in Hawaii, the Ninth Circuit, and in the DC Circuit.”

“The level of corruption was unbelievable. We found out that all five
members of the committee are Democrats,” Taitz said. “As I was
presenting all of the evidence, people were listening and getting more
and more angry.”

——————

Editor’s Note: If Taitz’s contention that all five members of the
Ballot Law Commission are from one party is correct, it is an apparent
violation of law.””

http://www.thepostemail.com/2011/11/18/exclusive-orly-taitz-reports-on-new-hampshire-ballot-commission-hearing/