By Ben Calhoun, Illinois Public Radio
Chicago, Ill. – Federal prosecutors in Chicago have indicted another person with ties to Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich.
Ali Ata has been accused of helping coordinate shady deals with Tony Rezko, a previously-indicted fundraider for Blagojevich.
Ata's indictment is an add-on to Tony Rezko's indictment. Rezko's on the hook for corruption charges, along with some alleged business fraud. Ali Ata now faces charges for allegedly helping Rezko make fraudulent deals.
Ata was a major campaign contributor to Governor Blagojevich. After he put tens of thousands of dollars into Blagojevich's campaign fund, he was appointed to head the Illinois Finance Authority.
Federal prosecutors alleged Ata used his position as head of the Illinois Finance Authority to help Tony Rezko get more than $10 million in fraudulent loans.
Ata's indictment is significant because it adds yet another link between the Rezko charges and the governor's administration.
Specifically, Ata is charged with wire fraud, which carries a possible 20 year prison sentence and up to a $250,000 fine.