Defense attorneys at Cellini trial begin cross-examining Stuart Levine

[October 15, 2011] CHICAGO (AP)  -- A defense attorney has closed out a week of testimony at the trial of an Illinois power broker accused of conspiring to shake down the producer of "Million Dollar Baby" by grilling the government's star witness.

During the cross-examination by William Cellini's attorney, Stuart Levine often looked disoriented.

Asked a question, the admitted drug user and convicted money launderer frequently paused for 10 seconds or more -- frozen still and his mouth agape.

Cellini has denied conspiring with Levine and others to extort the producer for a campaign donation to then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

The prosecution's case may hinge on whether jurors believe Levine. Tearing down his credibility could be Cellini's best shot at a hung jury or an acquittal.

Defense attorney Dan Webb says he could cross-examine Levine for four days.

[Associated Press]

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