The trial for Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was not in session on Friday. The break followed a lengthy testimony from Blagojevich’s former chief of staff that concluded Thursday.
The courtroom litigation paused Friday giving juror and courtroom personnel a three-day weekend to absorb information and look over their notes. A lot of information was given Thursday by Alonzo “Lon” Monk who worked as Blagojevich’s chief of staff.
Monk shed light on Blagojevich’s plot to arrange a $5 billion increase in tollway funds in an effort to gain campaign donations from Gerry Krozel. Krozel would have benefited directly from the funds and in return would have supported Blagojevich’s march to the senate, reported the Chicago Tribune.
Krozel is the chairman of the Illinois division of the American Concrete Pavement Association as well as vice president of Prairie Material Sales Inc that produces concrete.
Monk specifically recalled a statement from Blagojevich regarding the transaction with Krozel. “We need to get $500,000 from him,” repeated Monk in court.
The Associated Press reported that the former Illinois Governor was vying for President Obama’s vacant seat in the senate and using a multitude of illegal methods to acquire proper funding for a campaign. Blagojevich is facing what could be a hefty sentence on more than 20 charges. Some of the charges are felonies that include extortion and bribery.
Blagojevich also has what could be a tough jury sitting in the courtroom. Several former military service men are among those who will determine the verdict of the case.
The courtroom litigation paused Friday giving juror and courtroom personnel a three-day weekend to absorb information and look over their notes. A lot of information was given Thursday by Alonzo “Lon” Monk who worked as Blagojevich’s chief of staff.
Monk shed light on Blagojevich’s plot to arrange a $5 billion increase in tollway funds in an effort to gain campaign donations from Gerry Krozel. Krozel would have benefited directly from the funds and in return would have supported Blagojevich’s march to the senate, reported the Chicago Tribune.
Krozel is the chairman of the Illinois division of the American Concrete Pavement Association as well as vice president of Prairie Material Sales Inc that produces concrete.
Monk specifically recalled a statement from Blagojevich regarding the transaction with Krozel. “We need to get $500,000 from him,” repeated Monk in court.
The Associated Press reported that the former Illinois Governor was vying for President Obama’s vacant seat in the senate and using a multitude of illegal methods to acquire proper funding for a campaign. Blagojevich is facing what could be a hefty sentence on more than 20 charges. Some of the charges are felonies that include extortion and bribery.
Blagojevich also has what could be a tough jury sitting in the courtroom. Several former military service men are among those who will determine the verdict of the case.
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