Rezko asks for freedom

Political fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko urged a federal appeals court to free him from jail Tuesday, saying he is being held in solitary confinement pending next month's fraud trial.

Rezko's lawyers told the appeals court there was no risk he would flee to escape the trial, which is due to get under way March 3 before U.S. District Judge Amy J. St. Eve.

They admitted Rezko had not informed the court of a $3.5 million loan he received from London-based Iraqi millionaire Nadhmi Auchi, even though he had been under orders to notify St. Eve of changes in his finances.

But they said two sets of lawyers had concluded that he was not required to report the $3.5 million.

Rezko, 52, is charged with shaking down money management companies seeking business with the Illinois Teachers Retirement System, the $30 billion fund that pays the pensions of downstate and suburban teachers. Rezko denies that he took part in any kind of shakedown.