By AP
Chicago, IL – A federal judge has rejected media requests to open all sealed documents and transcripts of secretly recorded conversations obtained during the investigation of former Governor Rod Blagojevich.
However, U.S. district judge James Zagel said Friday he will allow the Chicago Tribune and CNN access to redacted versions of some paperwork in the case.
The Tribune initially asked the judge to unseal a motion to supress evidence, which was filed by attorneys for William Cellini, a politically influential Springfield millionaire. CNN sought the release of the wiretaps.
The government fought the request, saying release of the material would hurt an ongoing investigation. Zagel's written ruling agreed with that position.
Blagojevich is charged with scheming to sell or trade President Obama's U.S. Senate seat. Cellini is charged with scheming to obtain illegal campaign funds for Blagojevich.
