Mar 13, 2008 6:04 pm US/Central
Monday May Bring Crucial Testimony In Rezko Trial
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
With the glare of the spotlight perhaps unflattering, apparently no one wants to be connected to the Antoin "Tony" Rezko corruption trial.
As CBS 2's Mike Parker reports, Dr. Imad Almanaseer was the latest witness to try to run away from the cameras.
Almanaseer was in no mood for cameras or reporters. The Iraqi-born pathologist testified Thursday that as a member of the state board that oversaw new hospital projects, the chairman -- Thomas P. Beck -- would tell him how Rezko wanted him to vote.
Rezko is the fundraiser and alleged would-be shake down artist who's on trial for scheming with political insider Stuart Levine. Together, the feds say, they plotted to extort kickbacks and bribes from businesses who wanted to do business with the state.
Almanaseer owed his board seat to Rezko, as did chairman Beck.
In his testimony, the doctor quoted Beck as telling him, "If you're not sure which way to vote, vote the way Levine does. That's the way Tony wants it."
During a 2004 Holiday Inn-Mart Plaza meeting of the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board, Almanaseer, Beck, Levine and two other Rezko-connected board members voted to approve a Crystal Lake hospital project.
Prosecutors say in return, Levine and Rezko were to split a $1 million kickback from the builder.
Defense attorney Joe Duffy asked Beck on the stand if he had voted for the project because it was the right thing to do.
"I don't know," Beck said.
There will be no trial session Friday.
On Monday, there are signs the prosecution will produce its big gun -- the testimony of millionaire GOP insider Stuart Levine.
Levine has admitted collaborating with Rezko in a shakedown scheme and will tell the jury about it in detail.
He's already pled guilty in exchange for a reduced sentence.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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