Judge to Blagojevich: Stop gesturing at trial at former Illinois governor’s corruption trial

Judge to Blagojevich: Stop gesturing at trial

CHICAGO — A federal judge says the famously demonstrative former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich will have to learn to sit still and not express his emotions at his corruption trial.

On the second day of testimony Thursday, prosecutors complained that Blagojevich made gestures and comments the day before during testimony by Blagojevich’s former chief of staff, Alonzo Monk.

Prosecutors say several jurors clearly took notice.

Testifying for the prosecution, Monk painted a picture Wednesday of how he, Blagojevich and three others concocted a scheme to make money illegally.

Judge James Zagel told the defendant not to make any facial or other expressions during the trial.

An attorney for Blagojevich told the judge that, in his words, “it’ll be taken care of.”