CHICAGO (AP) — The judge in former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's corruption case has warned him to watch what he says to the media because some of his comments could be used against him in the retrial starting this week.

A stern Judge James Zagel made his comments to Blagojevich's lawyers at a status hearing Monday. The retrial began Wednesday.

Prosecutor Reid Schar told Zagel that Blagojevich has lied repeatedly, including by suggesting there had been a government effort to hide evidence.

The normally subdued Schar raised his voice as he said he'd like to put Blagojevich on the stand to show "he's a liar" but knows he can't.

Zagel didn't place a gag order on Blagojevich but says the defense should consider his warning a "red flag."

Blagojevich was accused of trying to sell or trade an appointment to President Barack Obama's vacated U.S. Senate seat, among other allegations.