FBI special agent takes the stand at former Ill. Gov. Blagojevich’s corruption trial

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FBI special agent testifies at Blagojevich trial

CHICAGO — Prosecutors have called an FBI special agent as the first witness to testify in former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s corruption trial.

Special agent Dan Cain took the stand Wednesday morning. Cain led the federal investigation into alleged wrongdoing by Blagojevich and members of his inner circle that first resulted in the conviction of key Blagojevich fundraiser Antoin “Tony” Rezko.

Also expected to testify is Blagojevich’s first chief of staff, Alonzo Monk. Monk pleaded guilty to conspiring to shake down a racetrack owner for a large campaign contribution.

Blagojevich has pleaded not guilty to scheming to profit illegally from his power to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama and squeeze people for campaign contributions.