Illinois
ilapostille.Com

Attorneys for an Illinois powerbroker on trial for attempted extortion has hit at the credibility of a key prosecution witness.

During testimony Tuesday, an attorney for millionaire businessman William Cellini repeatedly pressed Steven Loren about his admission of guilt in a cooperation agreement with prosecutors.

Cellini is accused of conspiring to shake down a Hollywood producer for a campaign contribution to impeached Gov. Rod Blagojevich. He's pleaded not guilty.

Loren's a former Teacher' Retirement System lawyer who testified about Cellini's influence at the agency.

Loren conceded he pleaded guilty to a lesser tax charge in hopes of avoiding prison time.

Pressed by the defense, he also admitted he engaged in multiple acts of dishonesty that could have landed him in more serious trouble.

Testimony continues Wednesday.

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