Judge rejects Rezko bid for new trial

[November 13, 2008]  CHICAGO (AP) -- A federal judge in Chicago has turned down a request for a new trial from convicted influence peddler Tony Rezko.

Rezko was a major fundraiser for Gov. Rod Blagojevich and for President-elect Obama. He was convicted in June of using his clout with the governor's office to launch a $7 million scheme to squeeze payoffs out of companies seeking business from the state.

U.S. District Judge Amy St. Eve said Wednesday that federal prosecutors had proven their case. She refused to throw out the guilty verdicts.

Rezko was convicted following a trial of more than three months. He's believed to be cooperating with federal prosecutors in hopes of getting a lighter sentence.

[Associated Press]

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