U.S. District Judge Amy St. Eve today rejected Tony Rezko's request for a new trial. Much has been made of how the conviction rested on the testimony of Stuart Levine. Sayeth the judge in a 34-page opinion:

The government introduced substantially more evidence than just the testimony of Stuart Levine to prove defendant Rezko’s criminal conduct, including extensive corroborating wire taps. When viewing all of the evidence in the light most favorable to the government, the government proved defendant’s knowledge and intent beyond a reasonable doubt. A new trial is not required in the interest of justice.

Now that Tony Rezko's trial is over, Judge Amy St. Eve has unsealed several defense documents, and boy oh boy, are they a treat. more ›

When we first imagined making a movie of the Tony Rezko trial, it was an intense courtroom drama, rife with "I object!"s and such. Much brooding. Perhaps a lawyer who Reaches! His! Limit! and knocks a water pitcher off a table in a moment of rage, or maybe a bright up-and-coming associate who finally shows she knows how to roll with the big boys. Lots of smarmy judgment every time Rezko's lawyers say "." And maybe a flashback sequence or two to the good old days at the Purple Hotel. (All drug scenes must be set to the opening portion of "Baba O'Riley.") more ›