William Cellini, a broker from Illinois, has pleaded not guilty to charges on Friday afternoon, Nov. 14. William Cellini, 74, a lobbyist and businessman, has been accused of extorting an investment company into giving a contribution of $1.5 million to Govenor Rod Blagojevich’s campaign fund. It was claimed that it was an extortion because the contribution was a condition of getting state business.

William Cellini has been accused of conspiring with Tony Rezko and Stuart Levine to shake down Thomas Rosenberg. Rosenberg was trying to get an investment account to handle for the pension board. The same charges were brought against Tony Rezko and the jury found Rezko not guilty. Cellini’s lawyer said he expected Cellinin would also be found not guilty. William Cellini was out on a $1 million bond which was secured by his house in Springfield.

The defense lawyer said Thomas Rosenberg was the first to approach Cellini on the possibility of a business project.

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This entry was posted on Friday, November 14th, 2008 at 7:58 pm and is filed under News.