Blagojevich's legal troubles could be mounting
A key aide to Illinois' governor has moved to plead guilty to federal charges less than a week after Gov. Rod Blagojevich was arrested on corruption charges.
Chris Kelly, a close confidant to the governor and a former top fundraiser, is set to change his 'not guilty' plea at a court hearing set for Jan. 16, according to federal court records.
Kelly was charged a year ago with tax fraud for allegedly using money from his personal business to cover large illegal gambling debts. Kelly was the governor's point man on casino matters for the state.
Kelly's change of plea hearing was set up on Monday, less than one week after Blagojevich was arrested on charges he was caught on tape trying to sell an appointment to the U.S. Senate and state business for personal profit.
The news comes as the sentencing for another key Blagojevich aide, Tony Rezko, was put off indefinitely, a sign the former top fundraiser and adviser may again be cooperating with federal investigators.
It is unclear if Kelly's move to plead guilty includes cooperation with investigators.
Both Kelly and Rezko have been viewed as two of the governor's top confidants during his early years running the state. They wielded influence over the governor's decisions and helped fill his massive campaign fund with large donations.
Rezko was found guilty earlier this year in a scheme to strong-arm bribes and campaign cash from businesses seeking to invest state funds and build suburban hospitals.
The criminal complaint filed against Blagojevich says Rezko had been cooperating with authorities since August. The complaint noted Rezko's information has been "substantial but not complete."
Yet, the complaint says that Rezko's cooperation has implicated the governor in a "'pay to play' criminal scheme."
Through his high-profile attorney, Blagojevich has denied wrongdoing as he refuses to step down despite mounting calls for his resignation. Illinois lawmakers have moved forward with impeachment hearings, but those could take weeks, if not months, to complete.
Blagojevich's attorney, Ed Genson, is set to appear before lawmakers Wednesday.
Chris Kelly also has a scheduled court hearing on Wednesday.
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<p class="BriefHead">Impeachment</p> <p class="News">House lawmakers held their first hearing on impeachment proceedings, but offered no evidence and called no witnesses. In the Senate, lawmakers approved a panel to explore rules for impeachment in the event the House sends the case over. </p> <p class="BriefHead">Special election</p> <p class="News">The state Senate didn't take up special election legislation Tuesday, seriously calling its chances into question.</p> <p class="BriefHead">What's Blagojevich up to?</p> <p class="News">The governor dodged questions for a seventh day. A spokesman said he is reviewing clemency petitions. Meanwhile, a close confidant is prepared to plead guilty on tax fraud charges while another one may be cooperating with investigators.</p> <p class="BriefHead">What's next?</p> <p class="News">The governor's attorney, Ed Genson, is expected to appear before lawmakers at the state Capitol. </p>