Illinois Governor's Former Finance Chairman Ordered Gambling Counseling

A former close friend of Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich plead not guilty to charges revolving around his alleged gambling problem. The man, Christopher Kelly, is a former employee of Blagojevich's.

Kelly was indicted on December 13th on charges of concealing over $1 million in income. Police say he used that money to pay off gambling debts that were owed to bookies. He allegedly bet on football, basketball, baseball, and horse racing.

He is also being charged with illegally structuring monetary transactions, filing false income and corporate tax returns, and obstructing the IRS.

"Chris Kelly is my friend. I am saddened to hear these allegations about Chris's personal life...In fairness to Chris, I believe it is important to let the legal process play out and not rush to judgement," Gov. Blagojevich said in a statement.

Between 2000 and 2005, the U.S, Attorney's office claims that Kelly understated his income by $1.3 million. At the time, Kelly was president of two companies based in Markham, CGK Consulting, and BCI Commercial Roofing.

Kelly has been ordered to undergo counseling for his gambling addiction.

December 21, 2007
Posted By Larry Rutherford
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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