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Rezko trial closing arguments to start today
05/12/2008 06:43:54
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| Tony Rezko faces federal charges tied to an alleged state government kickback scheme. |
By The Associated Press
CHICAGO (AP) -- Closing arguments begin today in the fraud trial of former political fundraiser Tony Rezko. The government claims the 52-year-old Rezko schemed with a member of two state boards to try to squeeze bribes and kickbacks from companies that wanted state business.
Stuart Levine -- the government's star witness -- testified that Rezko controlled the boards from behind the scenes. He said Rezko had clout with Governor Rod Blagojevich because he raised a lot of campaign donations.
But Rezko's attorneys contend Levine is a liar and swindler who was using huge amounts of drugs. They didn't call any witnesses because they said the government didn't prove its case.
Closing arguments are expected to get under way at 9 a.m.
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