By: Barton Lorimor
Not since Eliot Ness unraveled Al Capone’s underworld business franchise in 1931 has Chicago seen a federal officer come down on so many of its big-name political insiders. But taking Ness’ place Thursday was U.S. District Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, who announced federal corruption charges against William Cellini, Sr., a longtime influence in Illinois politics.
Fitzgerald, who led federal trials against former Illinois Gov. George Ryan and Antoin “Tony” Rezko, a former campaign fundraiser, said Cellini had been charged with conspiracy to raise campaign funds for current Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
Cellini, now 73, led a multi-decade career in the state’s government. Among the collection of state boards and agencies he directed is the Department of Transportation, which was under the Springfield Republican’s control during former Gov. Richard Ogilvie’s tenure. He was also the developer of the former Ramada Renaissance Hotel in downtown Springfield (now known as the Abraham Lincoln Hotel and Conference Center), which was purchased by the state a few years ago.
The four-count indictment against Cellini accuses him of forcing Capri Capital, a Chicago real estate firm, to make campaign contributions to “Public Official A,” who was identified as Blagojevich during the Rezko trial. Fitzgerald said Cellini was also charged with conspiring with Rezko and Stuart Levine, a former Teachers Retirement System executiver.
While testifying in the Rezko trial, Levine said he was appointed to a state board after he allocated $25,000 for Blagojevich’s campaign fund.
The governor has not been charged with any wrongdoing at this time.
The indictments are a part of Operation Board Games, an ongoing federal probe into corruption within various state boards and non-profit organizations, Fitzgerald said.
Randall Samborn, spokesman for Fitzgerald’s office, said no court appearances have been scheduled at this time. If found guilty, Cellini could face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
