Trial highlights

BY SVN NEWS SERVICE

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SURPRISE WITNESS: Former Illinois Finance Authority executive director takes stand as witness at political fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko's corruption trial. JOB OFFER: Ali Ata testified that after he held a fundraiser for Rod Blagojevich and delivered a $25,000 campaign contribution, the future governor discussed putting Ata on the state payroll. He said he contributed another $25,000 after Blagojevich was elected, and the governor said the job should be one "where you can make some money." FRIEND IN NEED?: Ata said that once he was on the state payroll Rezko put the arm on him for money and he dug $125,000 out of a safe at a family business. He said Rezko claimed that $25,000 was to pay contractors who would otherwise put an embarrassing lien on the governor's home. MONEY GAME: Ata said he typed a bogus letter on state letterhead to help Rezko get a loan. He said he invested $2 million in Rezko real estate and was not repaid. He said Rezko fixed a problem involving a state lease but demanded a 25 percent share of the property. COMING UP: Prosecutors plan to rest their case Monday and defense attorneys say they don't expect their case to take more than a day. Closing arguments are due to get under way May 12. Ñ By The Associated Press