Rod Blagojevich‘s defense team has successfully stalled lobbyist John Wyma’s testimony – for a day.
Following a lumbering cross-examination of former Deputy Gov. Bob Greenlee, Assistant U.S. attorney Reid Schar moved quickly to push back against the advice-of-counsel defense Blagojevich’s attorneys are working to establish.
“Did you walk around the office referring to John Harris as Attorney Harris?” Schar asked. “No,” said Greenlee.
“Did you have a single conversation with defendant Blagojevich, that you can recall, that dealt with your legal background?” Schar asked. Again, Greenlee said “no.”
Following Greenlee, the prosecution recalled FBI Agent Daniel Cain to the stand. Both sides then argued over what information relating to Blagojevich’s mounting legal expenses could be presented to the jury.
Defense attorney Sheldon Sorosky argued that introducing Blagojevich’s six-figure legal tabs would prejudice his client, while Schar said it was important in establishing the ex-governor’s desperate need for money. While acknowledging there was some validity in the defense’s contention, Judge James Zagel ultimately decided that the attorney fees were admissible.
Cain will take the stand Tuesday morning to introduce the evidence. Following him will be Wyma, Blagojevich’s former confidante who was central in helping federal authorities wiretap Blagojevich’s campaign office.