Jury Selection In Tony Resko Political Corruption Trial Begins Monday In Chicago

Chicago, IL (AHN)-Jury selection in the trial of real estate developer Antoin "Tony" Rezko began on Monday, with the businessman and political fundraiser facing corruption and fraud charges.

The 24-count indictment charges that Rezko illegally used kickback and other extortion schemes to make money and influence politicians, including allegations of his involvement with Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.

The trial, which is estimated to last at least three months, could shape up to be the biggest corruption probe since the much-publicized trial of former Illinois Gov. George Ryan, who was sentenced to prison in 2006 on racketeering charges.

While Barack Obama has repeatedly denied any illegal involvement with Rezko, the 52-year-old Chicago real estate developer was a known contributor to the Illinois Senator's campaigns at the beginning of his political career. In order to silence critics and removce doubts of his involvement, Obama has donated about $85,000 in Rezko-related contributions to charity.