From the Sun-Times:

Rezko's lawyer says he'll be back today
Gov's pal missed 2 court dates while out of U.S.

October 19, 2006
BY NATASHA KORECKI Federal Courts Reporter
A close adviser and top fund-raiser for Gov. Blagojevich is scheduled to show up at the first of two court hearings today on fraud and corruption charges.

But whether he will remains to be seen.

A court official said Wednesday that lawyers have told U.S. District Judge James Zagel that Antoin "Tony" Rezko will be back in the country and will appear in court today.

Rezko, 51, is scheduled to appear before Zagel at 10:30 a.m., but the court official said the appearance might be rescheduled for later Thursday. Rezko is also supposed to appear before U.S. District Judge Amy St. Eve on Friday.

Rezko lawyer Joseph Duffy said Wednesday he remains confident his client will return to the country in time for his court appearances. He wouldn't elaborate on timing.

The Syrian-born businessman failed to show up last week at two arraignments before two different judges. While there was speculation he was on the lam, Duffy said Rezko was arranging to finish up business in the Middle East and return to the United States.

Rezko faces other turmoil. He is behind on his mortgage payments, property taxes and is the subject of various lawsuits.

Rezko was hit with wide-ranging corruption charges last week that alleged he shook down firms wanting to do business with the state.

In the case before Zagel, Rezko is accused of falsely obtaining $10 million in loans for his pizza businesses.