Grand jury probes ex-Ill. gov's wife

CHICAGO, March 31 (UPI) -- Federal grand jurors investigating former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich questioned witnesses about his wife's real estate transactions, defense sources said.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported Tuesday the investigation focused on the deals between Patti Blagojevich's former firm, River Realty, and those with political ties to Blagojevich, as well as with convicted businessman Tony Rezko.

The deadline for a federal indictment against the ex-governor is April 7, but one could come as early as Thursday when the grand jury next meets.

Raymond Pijon, Patti Blagojevich's attorney, said he was unaware of the grand jury's intention to question her, but she had complied with the subpoena. The Sun-Times reported in February Patti Blagojevich was subpoenaed in December for various documents, including those on her real estate dealings, pertaining to more than 40 people related to the investigation.

Prosecutors are trying to determine Patti Blagojevich's role in the alleged schemes involving her husband.