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Apr 18, 2008 6:39 pm US/Central
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Fundraiser Rezko Released From Jail On $8.5M Bond
CHICAGO,Ill (CBS) ―
Indicted political fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko is free Friday night after being released from the federal detention center on an $8.5 million bond.
CBS 2's Derrick Blakley reports Rezko's friends and relatives put up cash and property to make his bond.
Rezko, a major fundraiser for U.S. Sen. Barack Obama and Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, is charged in a scheme to get kickbacks from firms seeking state business.
The 52-year-old has been held at the Metropolitan Correctional Center since before his seven-week-old trial began.
Rezko arrived back home at his Wilmette mansion Friday evening. He had been locked up since January when he was declared a flight risk after the court ruled he had lied about the amount of money to which he had access.
But Friday friends and family pledged 30 pieces of property and cash, all to ensure that he makes it to court when he is supposed to.
That show of support impressed federal Judge Amy St. Eve, who ordered Rezko to be released and called this one of the biggest bonds she has ever seen to come out of the Dirksen Federal Building.
Still, Rezko's lawyer was very grateful.
"We are extremely grateful to Judge St. Eve for reconsidering our motion for bond and releasing Mr. Rezko today," said attorney Joe Duffy. "We are happy that Mr. Rezko will be able to spend this evening with his wife and children at home."
Rezko has been placed on home confinement and is wearing an electronic monitoring bracelet. He is permitted only to be at home or in court.
Judge St. Eve also placed Rezko's wife, Rita, in charge of making sure he gets to court on time every day.
The judge even offered traffic tips, suggesting he avoid the Edens and take Lake Shore Drive.
Rita Rezko also must turn over her passport.
CBS 2's Derrick Blakley and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
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