Rajinder Bedi, 58, was charged with retail theft for allegedly trying to shoplift at a Home Depot in Chicago. (Credit: Chicago Police Department)
Updated 11/06/10 – 1:23 p.m.
CHICAGO (CBS) – A prominent businessman who figured in the corruption trial of former Governor Rod Blagojevich is free on bond following arrest on a retail theft charge.
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Cook County Criminal Court Judge James Brown freed Rajinder Bedi, 58, on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond Saturday afternoon.
Prosecutors said he allegedly attempted to shoplift $166 worth of merchandise from a Home Depot at 6211 N. Lincoln Av. on Friday.
Bedi is a former newspaper editor who also was the state’s international trade director till he resigned under pressure last year.
He testified during the Blagojevich trial that he was present when U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. and a supporter discussed fundraising and the congressman’s interest in the Senate seat vacated by President Obama.
