Blago's Top Aide to Plead Guilty

Prosecutors say Alonzo Monk was part of corruption scheme

One of Rod Blagojevich's top aides is expected to plead guilty to charges in the corruption case swirling around the ousted Illinois governor, the Associated Press reports.

Alonzo Monk, 50, is set to appear today before U.S. District Judge James Zagel to enter a plea that has been postponed for months while his lawyer and federal prosecutors negotiated the terms.

Former Governor Rod Blagojevich was indicted last month on 19 charges of fraud.  The federal grand jury claimed he and his co-conspirators planned to make millions through racketeering conspiracy and extortion, among other things.

Monk was Blagojevich's law school roommate and chief of staff in his first term as governor.  Before becoming a lobbyist, Monk was chairman of Blago's campaign fund.

Prosecutors say Monk took part in a wide-ranging corruption scheme. However, he is charged with just one count of scheming to shake down a racetrack owner.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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