Talk:Tom Rosenberg

Victim of Alleged Chicago Extortion
The Teachers' Retirement System, TRS — handles pensions for all Illinois teachers except those in Chicago. William F.Cellini, a Springfield-based power broker, was charged with wielding influence over TRS and then plotting with top Blagojevich advisers and a corrupt TRS board member to try to extort a $1.5 million campaign contribution from Hollywood producer Thomas Rosenberg. The plot was hatched in 2004 after it was discovered that Rosenberg hadn't contributed to Blagojevich's campaign despite his investment firm's extensive business with TRS. Cellini was charged with using his connections with the state teacher pension board as a way to squeeze a campaign contribution from Rosenberg. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.135.161.207 (talk) 02:32, 30 March 2013 (UTC)

On October 19, Tom Rosenberg took the stand as a government witness. After cooperating for months with the FBI, Rosenberg was granted immunity in exchange for his testimony. Prosecutors portrayed Rosenberg as an un-willing participant in the political contribution scheme. This stood in direct contrast to Levine's sworn testimony about Rosenberg’s influence. At times, Rosenberg aided Cellini's case by testifying Cellini never asked him to make a political contribution nor asked for any money. “Never in 30 years,” Rosenberg said of his longtime business friend. Rosenberg also claimed Levine never wanted money from him.