UPDATE: Sun-Times Reports Rezko in Intense Discussions With Lawmen
Sun-Times Reporting
CHICAGO -- Just weeks before he is to be sentenced, political fund-raiser Tony Rezko is in the midst of intense discussions with federal investigators, sources close to the investigation confirmed to the Chicago Sun-Times.
There's no question federal authorities are interested in Rezko, a former top adviser and fund-raiser to Gov. Blagojevich, as a federal witness. But one source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, warned it's too early to call the discussions full-fledged cooperation.
Already, however, Rezko has provided information to the feds, who are vetting it, sources said.
The Sun-Times first reported the likelihood of Rezko's cooperation a month ago, after accounts from sources who saw him being taken to the federal courthouse from the Metropolitan Correctional Center. He had no court appearances then.
One source told the Sun-Times for an Aug. 28 article that Rezko was twice seen inside the U.S. attorney's office after his conviction. Rezko's lawyer Joseph Duffy called that contention "bogus."
The implications of Rezko's cooperation are innumerable. Rezko's lawyers could not be reached for comment Friday.
But a source with knowledge of the investigation into the governor and into his wife, Patti Blagojevich's real estate dealings, say the probe is going "at top speed."
Copyright 2008 STNG Wire, The Chicago Sun-Times. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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