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Former Finance Authority Official Takes Stand at Blago Trial
A man that sat on state board has begun testimony in the political corruption trial of ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Ali Ata, the former head of the Illinois Finance Authority says Blagojevich talked about getting him a job on the state payroll while his $25,000 campaign contribution was lying on the conference table. That happened in August 2002. He was appointed head of the Illinois Finance Authority in January 2004.

But in cross examination, defense attorney Sam Adam Jr. made jurors aware that Ata was a frequent Blagojevich contributor. Asked if he directly asked Blagojevich for a job, Ata said no. Ata admitted that it was Rezko who told the governor that he was interested in a state position.

During direct testimony, Ata said that Rezko thought he was being watched by the FBI in the spring of 2004, and instructed Ata not to discuss matters by phone. He also warned Ata not to cooperate with the FBI after Ata was subpoenaed.

"He was aware of some people who throw themselves at the feet of the government to cooperate," Ata testified. Asked what Rezko said he would do to someone who cooperated Ata replied, "They'll be dealt with."

Ata said he is helping prosecutors in hopes of a lenient sentence in his own case.

There is no court Friday and the trial resumes Monday morning with Ata on the stand.

(Illinois Radio Network)
06 18 10 by Newsroom
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