Allies one day, enemies the next. That’s the lesson ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich is learning as the government lines up witnesses to try and bury him during trial.

By Jeff Coen
Tribune reporter

Ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich in better times

Sources familiar with the case said Christopher Kelly has had preliminary discussions with prosecutors about possibly cooperating, but he has not yet agreed to do so.

As Kelly weighs his future, his lawyers asked a federal judge Tuesday to delay his sentencing until October. Kelly, 50, a wealthy roofing company owner, pleaded guilty in January to tax-fraud charges for concealing his use of corporate funds to cover gambling debts. U.S. District Judge Elaine Bucklo is considering the request.

Prosecutors have ratcheted up pressure on Kelly, hitting him with two additional charges since he pleaded guilty to the tax offenses. He was charged with taking part in a kickback scheme to rip off United and American Airlines at O’Hare International Airport.

For Full Story

OTHER STORIES OF INTEREST

• Border Authorities and FBI on Alert in Kidnapping of 3-year-old (AP)
• Ex-Salon Owner Gets 4 Years in D.C. Tax Scandal (Washington Post)
• Judge in Miami Terrorism Trial Boots Troubled Juror Who Said Fellow Jurors Made Her Sick to Her Stomach (Miami Herald)