Witness puts Obama at Rezko reception

CHICAGO, April 15 (UPI) -- A prosecution witness said presidential candidate Barack Obama was at a party in Illinois held by Tony Rezko, an Obama fundraiser on trial for corruption.

The witness, Stuart Levine, testifying at Rezko's Chicago trial Monday, said the party in Willimett was arranged to lure businessman Nadhmi Auci into investing in a Illinois real estate venture. The Chicago Tribune described Auchi as an Iraqi-born businessman living in London who was convicted of fraud in France.

Levine said Obama and his wife, Michelle, put in an appearance at the party.

A spokesman for Obama's campaign told the Trib Tuesday that the Democratic candidate didn't recall the event or ever meeting Auchi.

Obama has not been accused of any wrongdoing in connection with his relationship with Rezko.

The Chicago Sun-Times said Rezko's dealings with Auchi contributed to the revocation of Rezko's bail. Prosecutors alleged that Auchi had wired an unreported $3.5 million to Rezko for controlling interest in a plot of land in Chicago.