Ata Takes the Stand

By Kevin Robinson in News on May 2, 2008 2:00PM

It's not just bags of cash that Ali Ata knew about. In testimony during Tony Rezko's federal fraud trial yesterday, Ata told jurors that he donated $25K to Blagojevich's campaign in 2002, dropping the check off at Rezko's office. He was then led into a conference room where the governor, his campaign manager Lon Monk, top fundraiser Chris Kelly and state Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Collonsville) were waiting. According to Ata, Rezko explained to the governor that he was interested in joining the Blagojevich administration. Blago then allegedly asked Rezko if Ata had "identified job opportunities.” Sometime after that meeting, Rezko asked Ata to identify state jobs that might interest him, he testified.

"Mr. Blagojevich thanked me for my continued support," Ata testified. "He said that he understood I was considering a position in the administration and said it better be a job where I could make some money." Ata eventually offered a position as executive director of the Illinois Finance Authority, which he accepted. "Mr. Rezko said fine, you can have the job. You'll report to me. I agreed," Ata said.

Ata is the last witness for the prosecution, and his testimony is expected to conclude in a few days, when the government will rest its case. The defense portion of the trial will likely begin early next week.