Gov.'s former fundraiser admits to tax charges (Blago)

Chicago Tribune/AP ^ | 1-16-09 | Mike Robinson

[STARWISE]

Impeached Gov. Rod Blagojevich's former chief fundraiser pleaded guilty Friday to obstructing federal tax collectors by using corporate funds and money from third parties to pay thousands of dollars in gambling debts and personal expenses.

Christopher G. Kelly, 50, a south suburban roofer who formerly headed the Friends of Rod Blagojevich campaign fund, also pleaded guilty to structuring financial transactions to hide them from the federal government.

In his 27-page plea agreement, Kelly admitted underreporting five years of income received by two businesses by a total of $496,358.

[STARWISE]

Ex-Blagojevich adviser pleads guilty to tax charges

January 16, 2009
BY Natasha Korecki, Federal Courts Reporter

A former top fund-raiser, adviser and friend of Gov. Blagojevich pleaded guilty today to federal tax charges.

Christopher G. Kelly, 50, the former lead adviser on gaming policy under Blagojevich, admitted he used corporate funds from his business to pay personal gambling debts. He could face up to 46 months in prison.

Kelly — who also once served as Blagojevich's campaign finance chairman -— has not been charged with wrongdoing tied to the investigation into Blagojevich’s administration, though was referred to in the criminal complaint that laid out the charges against the governor.

But it's clear that Kelly has been under scrutiny for schemes under Blagojevich.

Kelly's lawyer, Michael Monico, said his client has not cooperated with authorities.

"There is no agreement" for Kelly's cooperation, Monico said. "And we will not seek one."

Kelly is scheduled to be sentenced in April.

[Hoodat]

Contributor	Occupation	Date	Amount	Recipient
KELLY, CHRISTOPHER FRANKFORT,IL 60423	KELLY ATTORNEY AT LAW/ATTORNEY	6/30/02	$1,000	Phelps, David (D)
KELLY, CHRISTOPHER HOMEWOOD,IL 60430	JONES & CLENOY	10/24/95	$1,000	Blagojevich, Rod R (D)
KELLY, CHRISTOPHER FRANKFORT,IL 60423	BCI COMMERCIAL ROOFING	11/15/99	$1,000	Frost, Martin (D)
KELLY, CHRISTOPHER FRANKFORT,IL 60423	BCI COMMERCIAL ROOFING INC.	3/15/99	$1,000	Gore, Al (D)
KELLY, CHRISTOPHER FRANKFORT,IL 60423	BCI COMMERCIAL ROOFING INC./PRESIDE	3/15/99	$1,000	Gore, Al (D)
KELLY, CHRISTOPHER HOMEWOOD,IL 60430	JONES AND CLEARY	6/5/96	$350	Durbin, Richard J (D)
KELLY, CHRISTOPHER C MR CHICAGO,IL 60607	MORGAN STANLEY/FINANCIAL ADVISOR	1/20/08	$500	Paul, Ron (R)
KELLY, CHRISTOPHER G FRANKFORT,IL 60423	BCI COMMERICAL ROOFING	12/31/03	$11,000	Chico, Gery J (D)
KELLY, CHRISTOPHER G FRANKFORT,IL 60423	BCI COMMERCIAL ROOFING INC	5/22/00	$1,000	Sanchez, Loretta (D)
KELLY, CHRISTOPHER G FRANKFORT,IL 60423	BURKES ROOFING	11/10/98	$1,000	Blagojevich, Rod R (D)
KELLY, CHRISTOPHER G FRANKFORT,IL 60423	BCI COMMERCIAL ROOFING/PRESIDENT/CE	4/2/01	$1,000	Jackson, Jesse Jr (D)
KELLY, CHRISTOPHER G FRANKFORT,IL 60423	BCI COMMERICAL ROOFING	5/31/02	$1,000	Chico, Gery J (D)
KELLY, CHRISTOPHER G FRANKFORT,IL 60423	BCI COMMERICAL ROOFING	5/31/02	$1,000	Chico, Gery J (D)
KELLY, CHRISTOPHER G FRANKFORT,IL 60423	BURKES ROOFING	3/11/98	$500	Blagojevich, Rod R (D)
KELLY, CHRISTOPHER G FRANKFORT,IL 60423		11/26/03	$-1,000	Chico, Gery J (D)
KELLY, CHRISTOPHER MR FRANKFORT,IL 60423	BCI	1/31/02	$1,000	Castro, Martin R (D)

open secrets

[BAW]

In his 27-page plea agreement, Kelly admitted underreporting five years of income received by two businesses by a total of $496,358.

I'm seeing a trend here.

[Enchante]

How did Ron Paul get onto that list?

[Hoodat]

Ron Paul was part of the Dem plan to win the White House. Democrats created and funded his candidacy to draw votes away from other Republicans.

They did the same thing by planting Cynthia McKinney in the Green Party slot in order to avoid the Nader catastrophe in 2000.

[STARWISE]

Yep .. Chicago, land of milk and honey .. for a select few.

[Enchante]

Thanks, I do realize that..... :^(

I was simply inviting attention to that fact here, that Blago’s right-hand man contributes almost 100% to Democrats but somehow jumps at the opportunity to donate to Ron Paul.

Definitely a candidate of the Demagogues..... and let’s not forget the role of Ross Perot in getting the Clintonistas into the WH twice.

[Deetes]

BOOM !!!!

[Western Phil]

“In his 27-page plea agreement, Kelly admitted underreporting five years of income received by two businesses by a total of $496,358”

Should qualify him for a position under the new treasury secretary.

[Islander7]

Paging Rahm Emanuel...has anyone seen Rahm Emanuel? He seems to have dropped from sight.

[Lumper20]

I do not know about tresury secretary, but; it must be nice to gamble with other peoples funds and never have to pay if you lose. Sounds like a sure enough leftie victim. No such thing as personal responsibility to most of them. Always blame someone for your errors. Hell, the devil made me do it.