Michael Winter, who worked with Tony Rezko at the Rezmar offices, said he spoke with Rezko in 2003 about splitting a finder's fee in relation to the Teachers' Retirement System. Winter testified he, Rezko and another Rezko associate, Dan Mahru, agreed to split a finder's fee in thirds.
Winter said Rezko at one point wanted a bigger share because he had to split some of his one-third with Chris Kelly. But Winter argued with him, saying he deserved more money because he was doing more of the work. In the end, the deal never went through Winter testified.
Winter also testified he talked with his personal attorney, Myron Cherry, about splitting finder's fees. He talked with him because Winter didn't want his name tied to the fees since he shared offices with Rezko.
Winter said it was Kelly who warned Winter about having having fees directed to him personally.
"He felt there might be some perceived conflict of interest," Winter said.
Upon cross examination, Winter said he didn't think that taking finder's fees was inappropriate and said Rezko never warned him that it was illegal.
Duffy asked Winter about Cherry's reaction to getting involved.
"He said he wanted to go into that business with you, did he not?” Duffy asked.
"Correct," Winter responded.
..,."warned Winter about having having fees directed to him personally."He felt there might be some perceived conflict of interest..."
Gee.. ya think?
..,."warned Winter about having having fees directed to him personally."He felt there might be some perceived conflict of interest..."
Gee.. ya think?