In October, 2006, Chicago-area businessman and political donor Tony Rezko was indicted on charges of fraud, extortion and money laundering by the office of Federal prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald.
The Charges
The charges came from a three-year FBI investigation claiming Rezko demanded money from companies who sought to do business in Illinois.
He was accused of scheming with Governor Rod Blagojevech to get a $1.5 million kickback. Blagojevech was not charged with any wrongdoing.
In addition he was accused of laundering money in an associates restaurant business.
The Conviction
Political Ties
Rezko's notoriety is due to his close ties to politicians of both parties, most famously including Barack Obama but also comprising of a $3.6 million fundraiser for George W. Bush in 2003. Observers watched the trial closely for evidence of an improper relationship between Rezko and Obama.
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References
Fast Facts
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Verdict date
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Found guilty on 16 counts
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Acquitted of 8 counts
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Plans appeal
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Sentencing
September 3, 2008
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Wished to begin serving sentence "immediately"
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An observer for Barack Obama's campaign attended trial
