From the Tribune:
Cellini was charged with conspiring with others to force a real estate investment firm headed by Hollywood producer Thomas Rosenberg to raise or donate substantial political contributions for Gov. Rod Blagojevich. The governor is not charged with wrongdoing.
The four-count indictment charged Cellini, 73, with conspiracy to commit mail fraud, extortion conspiracy, attempted extortion and soliciting a bribe.
Cellini's name played a prominent role at the trial earlier this year of Antoin "Tony" Rezko, a former top Blagojevich adviser and fundraiser who was convicted on fraud charges.
More on the Blagojevich connections:
Federal authorities have been examining deals with Cellini at least since 2005 when they asked the state teachers' pension system for records involving a cadre of political insiders, including him.
Still, the connections between Blagojevich and Cellini run deeper than most people would think for the first Democratic governor in a quarter-century and a longtime GOP insider who is the treasurer of his county's Republican Party.
During Rezko's trial, the FBI identified the "Road Builders"--which Cellini has long been connected to as executive director of the Illinois Asphalt Pavement Association--as having bundled more than $400,000 for Blagojevich's campaign. According to testimony at the trial, the money came from a fundraiser in October 2002 -- less than a month before Election Day -- at the Wyndham Hotel in Wood Dale.
Trial witnesses said Cellini was behind that fundraiser even though it was logged by the campaign as being hosted by others.
Capitol Fax has the full indictment as well as a press release from U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald.
Comments
John Ryskamp (not verified) on Thu, 10/30/2008 - 13:21
This clearly implicates Obama, but I am wondering as well whether Public Official A in this indictment is actually Obama, not Blagojevich.
Josh Kalven on Thu, 10/30/2008 - 13:33
"Clearly implicates" Obama, huh? Care to explain that one?
Marty Didier (not verified) on Thu, 10/30/2008 - 15:10
Although many are witnessing a progressive march towards surfacing corruption, what many don't realize that there are moutains underneath.
I was in a family for more than 26 years who is directly involved in this current mess. As an example, my youngest son, to my dismay, is involved with Rezko. If he doesn't get out, he may well be sharing underwear with Rezko's pal's. But if the current set of issues surprise you wait till the other more juicier things come to light.
Link
Mexico drug plane used for US 'rendition' flights: report
Sep 4, 2008
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5j6QonBKKMo2gw1e3ql-xUcQEZbVg
It's all in the family....
Clyde O'Connor is my ex-sisiter-in-law's brother. Her husband is my ex-brother-in-law and Clyde's" money man. I met Clyde in the early 90's at my house while the O'Connor family came over to visit. While talking to Clyde, my brother-in-law came up and started talking to him about starting a new business in Florida. Also, my ex-brother-in-law bragged about the family being a CIA Asset as a response to why they won't ever be prosecuted for what they are involved in. Futhermore, my ex-brother-in-law wsa introduced to Obama in the early 90's as a new Team Member. As explained to me, "they" felt Obama was their "new shining star". Reading about the Rezko trial explains Obama was introduced to high level people like Auchi who was known in the family to be involved too.
As this surfaces, hold on to your hat!
Marty Didier
Northbrook, IL
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