Rezko trial day one

The corruption trial of Democratic political insider Antoin "Tony" Rezko got off to a bad start this morning. A juror showed up two hours late, which prevented the beginning of opening arguments. Let's hope the juror had a very good excuse, but based on my one stint as a juror, panel members showing up late could be a common occurrence. I served on a four day murder trial in 1999, and every day a juror was late.

From CBS 2 Chicago:

Once the trial got under way, (Assistant US Attorney Carrie) Hamilton promised jurors an inside glimpse into the brand of corruption that has long plagued state politics.

She said Rezko used his clout "at the highest level" of the (Gov. Rod) Blagojevich administration to place five people eager to do his bidding on the powerful Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board.

She said he schemed with a board member, millionaire attorney Stuart Levine, to share in a bribe to be paid in exchange for approval from the planning board for a Mercy Hospital expansion in Crystal Lake.

"Defendant Rezko controlled the planning board," she said. "Stuart Levine offered Rezko a part of the bribe. Defendant Rezko lined up his bloc, he gave (board Chairman) Tom Beck his marching orders."

Like Rezko, Levine (rhymes with "divine") is a resident of Chicago's wealthy North Shore--but Levine is a Republican. Clearly a troubled man, Levine has been fighting a drug problem for quite some time, something that Rezko's defense attorneys will use to challenge Levine's credibility.

Levine pleaded guilty to various corruption charges eighteen months ago and is cooperating with the prosecution.

According to court documents, early in his term Blagojevich, a Democrat, told Levine: "You stick with us and you will do very well for yourself."

Technorati tags: politics Election Democrats Tony Rezko corruption Blagojevich Stuart Levine crime law legal