Judge revokes Rezko bond, says she fears he is flight risk

Last updated on May 12, 2016 at 08:34 p.m.

CHICAGO – A judge revoked Antoin “Tony” Rezko’s $2 million bond Monday, saying she fears the indicted businessman who has raised thousands of dollars for Illinois politicians could be a flight risk.

U.S. District Judge Amy J. St. Eve said, among other things, she grew concerned after learning Rezko – a key supporter who contributed heavily to the campaigns of Sen. Barack Obama and Gov. Rod Blagojevich and raised thousands more – received $3.5 million from a company in Lebanon after claiming he didn’t have any income.

Some of the people who put up property in Rezko’s name also are renting out or trying to sell the property, according to prosecutors, raising concerns there may not be enough collateral to secure Rezko’s bond.

“I am revoking his bond today and remanding him to the custody of the U.S. Marshall,” said St. Eve, who scheduled another hearing for Tuesday.

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FBI agents arrested Rezko earlier Monday at his suburban Wilmette home on a warrant alleging a bond violation.

Rezko is due to start trial Feb. 25 on charges of scheming to pressure companies seeking state business for kickbacks and campaign contributions. Neither Obama nor Blagojevich has been accused of wrongdoing in the case. The Obama campaign declined to comment on Rezko’s arrest.