Rezko Verdict: Guilty

3 years ago

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The Federal corruption trial of Obama fundraiser Tony Rezko has concluded, the jury finding him guilty on 16 of 24 counts, including influence-peddling and corruption charges.

Rezko, of course, made national headlines after the Clinton campaign highlighted his association with Senator Barack Obama, who among other ties, participated in a deal with Rezko in order to purchase a Chicago home.

Rezko has his fingers deep in Chicago politics. He was a big time fundraiser for Gov. Blagojevich and his influence with the administration is a key point in the trial. Among other things, Rezko is accused of a pay to play scheme, wherein he solicited kickbacks from companies seeking government contracts under Blagojevich. It is alleged that some $10,000 from that scheme was donated to Senator Obama's campaign. The Senator has since donated the Rezko money to charity.

Senator Obama has called his dealings with Rezko "boneheaded." Obama's name came up very little at the trial, and is not accused of anything illegal.

Filed Under: Barack Obama, Scandal

Tagged: Barack Obama, BarackObama, election, fundraiser, guilty, investigations, president 2008, President2008, Rod Blagojevich, RodBlagojevich, Tony Rezko, TonyRezko, verdict

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