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May 1, 2008 6:14 pm US/Central
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Rezko Trial Witness Details Pay-To-Play Schemes
Ali Ata Is Government's Final Witness In Case Against Politically Connected Fundraiser
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
Ali Ata is the government's final witness in the federal corruption trial of political fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko.
Ata on Thursday unleashed a number of allegations and charges linking Gov. Rod Blagojevich with Rezko.
CBS 2's Mike Parker reports that from the get go, the government has pointed to this case as being about pay-to-play politics in Illinois state government.
A longtime friend of Rezko, Jordanian-born real estate investor Ata told jurors a tale of big money and influence involving the governor of Illinois.
Ata testified that at a Blagojevich fundraiser at Navy Pier in 2003, Ata turned over a personal contribution of $25,000. It apparently led to an important job for him.
"Mr. Blagojevich thanked me for my continued support," Ata testified. "He said that he understood I was considering a position in the administration and said it better be a job where I could make some money."
Days later Ata said he told Rezko, "I was surprised he would make such a statement. Mr. Rezko said he wasn't surprised."
A few months later, Ata said Rezko told him he would be the new executive director of the Illinois Finance Authority.
"Mr. Rezko said fine, you can have the job. You'll report to me. I agreed," Ata said.
Ata also testified Thursday that Rezko personally fired the executive director of the state Housing Development Authority. The reason: she had complained about plans to hire a Rezko-connected consultant to the authority.
Rezko allegedly said to her, "You need to be a team player."
A spokesperson for the governor has time and again denied Blagojevich ever said the things Ata claims.
Ata is expected to finish his testimony in the next few days, and the defense case is expected to begin early next week.
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