Attorneys for Tony Rezko have decided they will not present any evidence to defend their client.
For seven weeks prosecutors have presented witnesses who say Rezko used his influence in Illinois government to extort bribes from companies hoping to do business with the state. This morning they rested their case giving defense attorneys a chance to present their evidence.
But attorney Joe Duffy didn’t call a single witness or ask a single question. After court he said the defense team did not believe the government had quote “met their burden of proving their charges against Mr. Rezko, plain and simple.” Rather than muddy the waters with additional evidence, it appears Duffy wants jurors to focus on the questionable credibility of those who testified against Rezko.
Jurors have the rest of this week off as attorneys tie up loose ends in the case and prepare closing arguments which are scheduled for next Monday and Tuesday. Deliberations could begin at the end of next week.