Case [Blagojevich complaint] Confirms Rezko Is Talking With Prosecutors

WashPost ^ | 12-11-08 | Joe Stephens, Carrie Johnson

[STARWISE]

A footnote to the 76-page criminal complaint and affidavit charging Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) with soliciting bribes confirms what has long been rumored -- that a former longtime friend and fundraiser for President-elect Barack Obama is talking to federal prosecutors in hopes of a reduced sentence.

Antoin "Tony" Rezko's offer to provide authorities with evidence of others' wrongdoing is "not complete," and prosecutors are working to corroborate the claims he has made so far, the footnote said.

[STARWISE]

I believe this is the referenced footnote in the Blagojevich/Harris complaint.

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"4 has yet to be fully determined, has confirmed to the government in proffer sessions the essence of Ata’s testimony regarding Ata’s meeting with ROD BLAGOJEVICH, but has a different recollection regarding the timing and chronology of certain events and only recalls asking Ata for one $25,000 check for ROD BLAGOJEVICH.

Rezko’s proffers have been substantial but are not complete and the government’s efforts to fact check and corroborate Rezko’s proffered information are not yet complete.

Rezko has proffered with the government in hopes of receiving a recommendation from the government for a reduced sentence.

During the proffer sessions, Rezko at times has provided accounts that differ from those of other witnesses, including Ata, but in broad terms Rezko’s account incriminates ROD BLAGOJEVICH in a “pay to play” criminal scheme.

Because the government is not yet satisfied that Rezko’s accounts are full and complete, the government is not relying on Rezko’s account for probable cause. The government simply notes that while Rezko’s account varies at times from those of other witnesses, Rezko’s account of ROD BLAGOJEVICH’s activity, on balance, would add to the probable cause set forth herein, not subtract.

Where Rezko’s proffered recollection differs significantly from those of witnesses upon whose testimony the government is relying, this affidavit notes those differences."

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[STARWISE]

~~TWEET!

[top 2 toe red]

Expect Rezko to turn up dead very soon then...

[Eye of Unk]

[Brad from Tennessee]

These federal prosecutors have about 40 days before they’re told to clean out their desks and wait for Security to escort them out of the building.

[BonRad]

Hannity said quickly a couple weeks ago he heard Rezko was singing like a bird.

Thanks for ping STARWISE

[teletech]

I wonder what Rezko has on Obama? You would think that if Rezko were going to implicate Obama, he would have done it by now. Maybe he has and the Feds are checking what Rezko told them about Obama. One can only hope.

[the invisib1e hand]

These federal prosecutors have about 40 days before they’re told to clean out their desks and wait for Security to escort them out of the building.

...why would anyone sing when there are presidential pardons four measley years away?

[STARWISE]

John Kass has become one of my favorite columnists .. he writes with a club, truth serum and some laughing gas.

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By Chicago standards, Blagojevich isn’t crazy

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-kass-thurs-11-dec11,0,301469.column

[Big_Monkey]

I wonder what Rezko has on Obama?

Rezko could have video tape of Obama in the grassy knoll holding the Lindbergh baby and a crack pipe. It doesn't matter. Barry is untouchable.

I don't believe we have seen a political figure in America during the 20th century (maybe since Washington) that has as much innate insulation as Obama. I'm terrified not by what he'll try in the next four years, but by what he will surely get away with.

[scott7278]

What if he’s not confident The One will be able to survive this, or even another scandal? He’s forced to play the hand he’s been dealt - sing and maybe get a lesser sentence, be silent and maybe get a pardon.

That might be an easy decision if it were only between two parties, but when multiple people are involved in a crime, somebody else is liable to get the deal by squealing first. If he thinks a pardon will not be available, he sings in order to be the first.

It’s hard to imagine living like that, but that’s the life he chose.

[the invisib1e hand]

Well, the times are rich with interesting possibilities, aren't they? A very colorful cast of characters.

Hard to believe someone who stinks more than bill clinton did has won the White House.

[ConservativeCompendium.net]

You would think that if Rezko were going to implicate Obama, he would have done it by now.

I dunno.It seems like in a situation like he finds himself in, you wouldn't start giving out your best an dwork your way down to yur worst. You'd start with your worst and work your way to your best, hoping that you wouldn't have to divulge your best stuff and can hold it in reserve, just in case.

Just IMHO of course ;)

[the invisib1e hand]

You would think that if Rezko were going to implicate Obama, he would have done it by now.

Hillary will decide when that happens.

[mkjessup]

Ruh, roh, look out:

[mkjessup]

"I don't believe we have seen a political figure in America during the 20th century (maybe since Washington) that has as much innate insulation as Obama. I'm terrified not by what he'll try in the next four years, but by what he will surely get away with."

The only one who comes close (IMHO) is da Kingfish:

[MississippiMan]

These federal prosecutors have about 40 days before they’re told to clean out their desks and wait for Security to escort them out of the building.

Nahhhh. The prosecutors are protecting Obama. That's the only reason that makes the premature arrest of Blago make sense. Rush pointed out that while Blago may be finished as a politician, by arresting him and essentially shutting down the corruption midstream, Blago could conceivably beat the whole thing since he was stopped before he could actually take a bribe, sell the seat, etc. etc. That makes zero sense, and is dead opposite of what was done with the Valerie Plame case. They let that case go and go until somebody actually DID something they could charge him with. With this Chicago case, they shut it down before it went too far and drug The One into it. Sickening.

MM (in TX)

[scott7278]

I never thought I’d see the day...just eight years after Clinton left office...that a potential president-elect would be even more slimy than he. It’s sickening.

He’s selected and protected by the MSM, and manufactured by the Chicago Political Machine.

[the invisib1e hand]

where'd that quote come from?

I think we'd all be taken aback if we knew what he's gotten away with already.