Politics

Lawyer Paints Stuart Levine As Drug-Addled Liar

Chief Government Witness In Rezko Corruption Case Continues Grueling Cross Examination

CHICAGO (CBS) ― The jury in the Antoin "Tony" Rezko corruption trial listened as once again, defense attorney Joe Duffy cross examined the star prosecution witness. Duffy let Stuart Levine describe himself in his own words as a liar, thief and drug abuser.

CBS 2's Mike Parker reports Levine was confronted with evidence that one month, he had withdrawn $31,000 in cash from his bank.

Duffy asked, "In May of 2004, were you trying to set aside cash for your Christmas gifts?"

Levine's answer: "I cannot tell what I was spending that cash on."
Earlier, Levine testified that he often showered his male so-called "drug buddies" with cash gifts amounting to $100,000 a year.

Levine was also asked about the impact of learning in 2004 that the FBI was investigating his activities.

Duffy: "After the FBI visited you, you continued to lie when it was in your best interest?"

Levine: "Yes sir."

Duffy: "After the FBI visit, did you still try to cheat people out of money?"

Levine: "Yes sir....I did not understand the full scope of the trouble I was in."

At first Levine said the FBI investigation "scared" him out of using drugs. Later, he admitted he may have used drugs again. He said he could not recall.

Levine also admitted seeing his drug-sharing friends even after learning the feds were closing in.

The whole point of this relentless cross examination is to show the jury that Levine is not to be believed, and that he is either less than truthful about his scheming with Rezko or that he is too drug-addled to remember much of anything.

(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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