Friday, Jun. 26, 2009

SIU subpoenaed in Blagojevich probe

Other universities get similar orders

EDWARDSVILLE -- Southern Illinois University is facing subpoenas in the ongoing investigation of ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

David Gross, legislative liaison for SIU, confirmed that both campuses of the university have been subpoenaed in the criminal case against the former governor.

Specifically, Gross said, the U.S. Attorney's Office is seeking any e-mails or correspondence between Blagojevich or his four co-defendants and anyone associated with the university regarding student admissions.

"The general counsel has been in communication with the U.S. Attorney's Office and is cooperating with the investigation," Gross said. "Counsel will do a records search throughout the university; that's underway now."

Gross said the University of Illinois and Northern Illinois University have received similar subpoenas, and the information is due to authorities by July 2.

The subpoenas come after the Chicago Tribune reported that Blagojevich and aides may have influenced the admissions process at the University of Illinois, with 800 applicants allegedly receiving special consideration.

"We don't believe any such records exist (at SIU)," Gross said. "I know I've not had contact with those individuals, and I know President Poshard has not, either. But we will search the records at both campuses, and if any of that turns up, it will certainly be turned over."

Blagojevich is to face a federal corruption trial next year and is accused of trading favors for campaign contributions. Blagojevich was impeached and removed from office in January.