Ex-Blagojevich Adviser Chris Kelly Pleads Guilty To Tax Charges

CHICAGO — Impeached Gov. Rod Blagojevich's former chief fundraiser has admitted he illegally used corporate funds to pay gambling debts and personal expenses.

Christopher G. Kelly also pleaded guilty on Friday to illegally structuring financial transactions in an effort to hide them from the federal government. The indictment against him did not touch on politics.

Kelly is a roofing contractor and consultant. He has helped to raise millions of dollars for Blagojevich's campaign and he could give federal prosecutors an inside look at the workings of the governor's administration.

Blagojevich has been charged with using his position to get personal and professional favors, including trying to sell off the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by President-elect Barack Obama.

Comments

[dems08]

Too bad K. rove's appointee's didn't go after the pub criminals, too!

[CaliTLC]

He will undoubtedly be the prosecution's star witness in the criminal trial. Yikes!!

[haramagoti]

This will be one king hell sized plea bargain. Blago, prepare yourself. The nightmare has just begun.

[msblkwidow]

I may be wrong; but I'm sitting quietly waiting for the shoe to drop...a Burris scandal... For some reason, I believe he is connected to Blagajevich's scandal. As an Illinois citizen, I would wonder, "Why are we rushing to put this man in office". It seems to me the state of Illinois and U.S. Congress could have waited until the Blagajevich scandal was settled- either not guilty or guilty-either in or out. Then, they could have voted Burris into office. It's not over until the fat lady sings. And that is when everything that Kilpatrick knows comes out. If Burris is dirty, then a lot of people will have "pie in the face".

I just don't understand. Something smells very very fishy here. Again, maybe I'm wrong.

[Vige]

"Why are we rushing to put this man in office".

Because the "Race Card" trumps "Competence and Ethics Card."

O's main appeal is he never ran on race. So many still fear they will perceived as racist if they challenge someone after the card has been thrown down.

[Catjya]

Oh, how I agree with you,Burris is a slime ball opportunist, that used race to be seated. I hope Illinois,who said NO many times to him,for that seat,boots him out.

IT SICKENS ME BURRIS FEELS ENTITLED TO THE SEAT!!

[CeeCee]

And so it begins....

[Jaxy]

One down, Candidates 1 through 5, to go.

[tbirdalum]

Well, its started. You all know what floats to the top and I don't mean cream.

[OlderBudWeiser]

Bodies?