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Former Blagojevich fundraiser Kelly pleads not guilty

Posted February 10, 2009 10:00 pm

Associated Press

Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich's one-time chief fundraiser has pleaded not guilty to federal corruption charges involving multimillion-dollar construction contracts at O'Hare International Airport.

Roofing contractor Christopher Kelly entered his plea Wednesday before U.S. District Judge Charles Norgle.

Kelly is accused of engaging in corruption in doing roofing work at O'Hare for American Airlines and United Airlines. Prosecutors contend he overcharged the airlines and paid kickbacks to a consultant who advised the two companies on the value of the work.

Norgle set a $4,500 recognizance bond for Kelly and continued the case to March 10.

Kelly recently pleaded guilty to charges that he obstructed the IRS by paying gambling debts and other expenses with company money and claiming it as a business expense.

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