Judge to Blagojevich: Stop gesturing at trial

[June 11, 2010]  CHICAGO (AP) -- A federal judge is warning former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich to sit still and control his emotions during his corruption trial.

Prosecutors complained Thursday that Blagojevich made gestures and comments the day before during testimony by his former chief of staff, Alonzo Monk -- and that several jurors clearly took notice.

Monk testified that he, Blagojevich and two others allegedly concocted a scheme to make money illegally.

Judge James Zagel admonished Blagojevich to avoid making any facial or other expressions during the trial.

Blagojevich has pleaded not guilty to scheming to profit from his power to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama and squeezing people for campaign contributions.

[Associated Press]

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