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| What Blagojevich May Have to Give Up |
Talk turned to forfeiture Wednesday in the political corruption trial of former Governor Rod Blagojevich.
It took about five minutes for prosecutors and the defense to agree on jury instructions that may be given to the jury if Blagojevich is found guilty on racketeering charges.
If the jury convicts Blagojevich of racketeering, the federal government wants over $400,000 from Blagojevich. It's unlikely the Blagojevich family has that kind of cash on hand so the government would move to seize their home in Chicago and a condo in Washington .
The jury will decide how much the government can take unless Blagojevich chooses to have that decision made by the judge.
Because forfeiture is a separate proceeding from the corruption trial, prosecutors say they will call a witness to go over bank accounts connected to Blagojevich, including personal accounts as well as the Friends of Blagojevich accounts.
They would likely show money paid from convicted political fixer Tony Rezko to Patti Blagojevich, as well as a campaign contribution given to Blagojevich by businessman Ali Ata that prosecutors say was in exchange for a state job. Ata testified for the prosecution as well as Rezko associate Joseph Aramanda, who told jurors of a state bond deal that included kickbacks to Rezko. Prosecutors say that money ultimately made it to Blagojevich.
Besides racketeering, Blagojevich is charged with extortion, bribery and wire fraud. The jury is still deliberating.
(Illinois Radio Network) |
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| 08 05 10 by Newsroom |
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