The federal judge overseeing the case of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich refused to make public wiretaps in the case, saying it was clear to him that "there is an ongoing investigation."
U.S. District Judge James Zagel, in a recent opinion, ruled against a bid by CNN to release secret transcripts and secret recordings in the Blagojevich case. While he didn't indicate the nature of the ongoing probe, he said a review of matters under seal made it clear that releasing the information could damage the government's investigation.
"I have examined the sealed materials that are the subject of this motion and
am satisfied with the government's contention that there is an ongoing investigation," Zagel wrote in a recently publicized opinion.
"I am further satisfied that disclosure of these materials at this time may frustrate the investigation and thereby jeopardize the integrity of the search for truth. I emphasize that the issue is whether the disclosure of these materials is warranted now; I am not deciding that this is a sealing in perpetuity, or even for an extended period of time."
The U.S. Attorney's office would not comment on Zagel's remarks.