Judge at Blagojevich corruption trial: Defense can play about a dozen unheard wiretap tapes
By APThursday, July 15, 2010
Judge: Blago lawyers can play some unheard tapes
CHICAGO — The judge presiding at Rod Blagojevich’s corruption trial has narrowed to about a dozen the number of FBI wiretap tapes jurors haven’t heard yet that the ousted Illinois governor’s lawyers can play as they begin the case for the defense.
Following two days of hearings, Judge James Zagel also told Blagojevich’s lawyers they can replay some of the FBI wiretap tapes that jurors have heard.
Blagojevich’s lawyers had sought to play 38 tapes the FBI made in the weeks before his December 2008 that have not been played at the trial.
Attorneys were undecided Thursday as to who would be the leadoff witness for the defense when the trial resumes Monday.
Blagojevich has pleaded not guilty to scheming to sell or trade President Barack Obama’s former Senate seat.
