Judges declines Rezko motion for new trial, acquital

Chicago Sun-Times:

A federal judge has denied Tony Rezko’s plea for an acquittal or new trial, giving the convicted businessman even more incentive to cooperate with the feds.

In a 34-page opinion, U.S. District Judge Amy St. Eve didn’t buy the argument that Rezko’s conviction relied solely on the testimony of a shaky witness: Stuart Levine.

...

“The government introduced substantially more evidence than just the testimony of Stuart Levine to prove defendant Rezko’s criminal conduct, including extensive corroborating wire taps,” St. Eve wrote. “When viewing all of the evidence in the light most favorable to the government, the government proved defendant’s knowledge and intent beyond a reasonable doubt. A new trial is not required in the interest of justice.”

...

I think this was just an element of the appeals process that will continue with further hearings in January. It does put more pressure on him to cooperate with the government, which he has apparently been doing.