Mar 11, 2008 5:39 pm US/Central
Key Prosecution Witness Takes Stand In Rezko Trial
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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Antoin "Tony" Rezko, a top adviser and fundraiser for Gov. Rod Blagojevich is on trial on charges of scheming to collect "millions of dollars in undisclosed kickbacks."
CBS
A key prosecution witness in the trial of politically connected businessman Antoin "Tony" Rezko is in the spotlight Tuesday as federal prosecutors build their case of alleged kickbacks and bribes.
CBS 2's Mike Parker reports witness for the prosecution and state health department official Donald Jones. Jones testified Tuesday that Stuart Levine apparently greased a deal he hoped would make a small fortune for himself and Rezko. Prosecutors say Levine owed his appointment to a health planning agency to Rezko.
The Mercy Hospital Group wanted to build a new hospital in McHenry County and the project, to be located in Crystal Lake, was up for a vote by Levine and the other members of the state Health Facilities Planning Board.
Jones testified that the first vote by the board rejected the proposal. Then, Jones said, Levine "got up from his seat and whispered in (the chairman's) ear. (The chairman) changed his vote and at that point, the project had five votes." That was enough to approve it.
The prosecutor asked: "Had you ever seen anything like that during a vote?"
Jones answered, "No."
Prosecutors maintain that Levine planned to see to it that the hospital would be built by his friend, contractor Jacob Kiferbaum; and that Levine and Rezko would then split a $1 million kickback from the builder.
Levine, who's cut a plea deal with the government, is scheduled to testify soon in the trial. He will reportedly tell jurors how he and Rezko schemed to extort bribes and kickbacks from people wanting to do business with the State of Illinois.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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