Feds: Rezko’s Cooperation Not a Big Help

Prosecutors say a central figure in the administration of disgraced former Gov. Rod Blagojevich never provided particularly useful information about his former benefactor to investigators.

The government makes the claim in a new filing that recommends a prison sentence of between 11 and 15 years for Tony Rezko.

Prosecutors note Rezko only agreed to cooperate after his 2008 conviction on fraud and other charges.

They contrast that with the help provided by Rezko's co-conspirator, Stuart Levine (leh-VYN'). Levine pleaded guilty in 2006 and testified at Rezko's trial and at millionaire William Cellini's recent trial.

The filing says Levine's cooperation was "dramatically more valuable'' than Rezko's.

Rezko offered to testify at Blagojevich's and Cellini's trial. But prosecutors say Rezko's persistent lies after his indictment would have opened him up to damaging cross-examination.