Marathon Pundit: Rezko trial: Defense attorneys seek to limit Ata testimony

There was no testimony today, nor will there be any tomorrow, in the corruption trial of alleged political fixer Antoin "Tony" Rezko. But there was work today for the attorneys and Judge Amy St. Eve. Rezko's lawyers filed a notion with St. Eve seeking to limit Ata's upcoming testimony.

Last week Ata pleaded guilty to lying to an FBI agent and a filing a false tax return. Although Rezko's ties to Barack Obama attract more attention nationally, Ata's guilty plea sent shockwaves throughout Illinois, as Ata claims his contribututions to the campaign fund of Governor Rod Blagojevich led to his getting a six-figure state job--and the Democratic governor knew all about it.

More from the Chicago Tribune:

Ata is expected to testify to talking with Rezko about political fundraising and his appointment to the Illinois Finance Authority. Ata, who pleaded guilty last week to lying to federal agents, has told authorities he donated $75,000 to Gov. Rod Blagojevich through Rezko and was then given his post as IFA head.

But in their motion Tuesday, Rezko's attorneys concentrated on what Ata might say about cash transfers involving Rezko.

Ata has told the government that in 2003, he had discussions with Rezko about Rezko's need for cash. Ata says he lent Rezko about $125,000, which he took from a safe at a company called Jenin Distributors.

The defense contends the transfers aren't relevant to the Rezko case, could confuse the jury and could be prejudicial. Furthermore, no records of the cash transfers exist, Rezko's lawyers said.