Prosecutors talking to Rezko, seek to delay sentencing

Sun-Times:

Federal prosecutors asked a judge Monday to indefinitely postpone Tony Rezko's scheduled Oct. 28 sentencing on corruption charges, acknowledging they are engaged in talks with the former top political fund-raiser for Sen. Barack Obama, Gov. Blagojevich and others "that could affect . . . sentencing."

The Chicago Sun-Times first reported in August that Rezko might be cooperating with prosecutors. Since then, the talks, and the prosecution's efforts to confirm information Rezko has provided, have been an open secret. In September, sources close to the investigation confirmed the talks to the Sun-Times but said there was no deal with Rezko.

The 53-year-old Wilmette businessman, who at one time was a top adviser to Blagojevich, was convicted in June of wide-ranging corruption tied to state deals. He could face a lengthy prison term and still faces two more criminal trials.

You know there have been more stories on the investigation of Governor Rod Blagojevich as of late. An indication that he's likely to go down for whatever improprieties he may have?

ADDITION: Associated Press:

Governor Rod Blagojevich is calling on Tony Rezko to tell the truth, the day after federal prosecutors gave their strongest hint yet that the convicted fundraiser might be cooperating with them.

After a dedication ceremony at Chicago State University on Tuesday, Blagojevich wouldn't say whether he was worried about his future now that his friend may be talking to authorities.

 There are some who will say that the Governor has trouble being honest himself.

Also from Clout St:

Gov. Rod Blagojevich tried to deflect questions Tuesday about cooperation talks between Antoin "Tony" Rezko and federal authorities probing corruption allegations involving his administration.

Out in public for the first time since news of his convicted former top fundraiser and adviser's negotiations to possibly become a prosecution witness broke, Blagojevich said Rezko's decision to seek a sentencing delay "speaks for itself."

"It is what it is, it speaks for itself," Blagojevich said. "Let me just say again what I've said before: Tony Rezko is a friend of mine, my heart goes out to him and his family and he like anyone else should tell the truth. And I'd like to point out that he sent a letter, Tony Rezko sent a letter to a federal judge where he expressely said that Sen. Obama nor I did anything wrong and now we've got to respect the process as we've been consistentley doing and let it all unfold..."

 I will have to assume that this also occurred at CSU. The post at Clout Street didn't explicitly say that this took place when the governor was there for the dedication of the Convocation Center.

One more story from the Sun-Times:

The governor made his first appearance since word emerged Monday that Rezko’s sentencing has been delayed indefinitely so federal prosecutors can talk to Blagojevich’s former fund-raiser about potential wrongdoing involving the governor and others.

“Tony Rezko sent a letter to a judge. In that letter, he expressly states neither Sen. Obama nor I did anything wrong,” Blagojevich told reporters this morning.

“That letter is a pretty strong statement. It speaks for itself,” the governor said later.

The letter the governor referred to was released in June by U.S. District Judge Amy St. Eve after Rezko was convicted of wide-ranging fraud involving state boards and commissions. Rezko penned the letter in April as he was trying to be released from federal custody while on trial.

“They are pressuring me to tell them the 'wrong' things that I supposedly know about Gov. Blagojevich and Sen. Obama,” Rezko wrote in his letter to St. Eve. “I have never been party to any wrongdoing that involved the governor or the senator. I will never fabricate lies about anyone else for selfish purposes. I will take what comes my way, but I will never hurt innocent people.”

 Also included in this story was the Governors comments regarding the investigation concerning how the Governor paid for the home improvements on his north side home:

Also today, the governor dismissed as “much ado about nothing” revelations that federal investigators have interviewed and subpoenaed contractors involved in a $90,000 renovation of Blagojevich’s home by a Rezko-owned company. Agents have focused on who paid for that 2003 work, the Chicago Sun-Times reported Sunday.

While insisting that he and his wife, Patti, paid for the work themselves, the governor today repeated that he would not release contractor invoices, cancelled personal checks or any other documents that might support his claim.

This is an interesting day, is it not?