Prosecution Expected to Rest Wednesday in Madigan Corruption Trial
The Government’s Case
The government initially expected to rest its case on Tuesday afternoon in the federal corruption trial for former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, but it appears that will likely happen on Wednesday instead. Prosecutors called their final four witnesses, including a former Madigan ally, a lobbyist, and two FBI special agents, and shared their last pieces of evidence, including secret phone recordings, in the landmark trial for the longest-serving legislative leader in American history.
The Witnesses
A former State Rep. Edward “Eddie” Acevedo, 61, took the stand for his second day of testimony, which lasted about 35 minutes. Acevedo is a reluctant witness, compelled by the prosecution to testify in exchange for immunity, under the agreement he tells the truth. He was met with a barrage of questions by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amarjeet Bhachu, who first congratulated him on remembering his eyeglasses for court on Tuesday after Judge John Blakey warned, he could be held in contempt of court if he did not.
Acevedo’s Testimony
Acevedo was asked how many times he was obligated to testify under oath. “I’m not sure, I don’t know,” he said. It was one of the first of many questions he answered that he did not know or could not remember the answer to. Acevedo testified that he has dementia and a brain tumor. He sniffled when talking about his grandchildren and said he sometimes forgets their names.
The government alleges in 2017, Acevedo was indirectly paid more than $140,000 in no-work contracts from ComEd and AT&T Illinois, arranged by McClain at the request of Madigan. Despite a 2019 FBI interview where Acevedo allegedly told investigators he didn’t do any work for AT&T, he testified otherwise, saying he even worked “as a team” with his sons.
Lieteau’s Testimony
Lieteau, an independent lobbyist and former AT&T Director of Government Relations, took the stand Tuesday morning. His testimony directly contradicted some of the things Acevedo said. According to Lieteau, Acevedo was one of the legislators he was assigned to lobby for different clients during his time with AT&T, which came to an end in 2014.
The FBI Testimony
Two FBI Special Agents, Eileen McDermott and Kyle Scherrer, also took the stand. McDermott, who was the third witness of the day, provided testimony on electronic records, which included phone calls between phone numbers associated with Madigan, McClain, Acevedo, Paul La Schiazza, and others accused of being involved in Madigan’s multiple corruption schemes. Scherrer, who was the final witness to be called by the prosecution, provided testimony that also contradicted some of the things Acevedo said.
Conclusion
The trial is expected to resume on Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. The prosecution’s case is expected to rest, and the defense will begin presenting its case. The trial is expected to continue for several more weeks, with the jury deliberating on the guilt or innocence of Madigan and McClain.
FAQs
* What is the alleged corruption scheme?
The government alleges that Madigan and McClain orchestrated a scheme to accept bribes and kickbacks in exchange for political favors and influence.
* What is the evidence against Madigan and McClain?
The evidence presented in court includes secret phone recordings, testimony from witnesses, and documents detailing the alleged scheme.
* What is the significance of Acevedo’s testimony?
Acevedo’s testimony is significant because he was a key player in the alleged scheme, and his testimony provides insight into the inner workings of the corruption scheme.
* What is the significance of Lieteau’s testimony?
Lieteau’s testimony is significant because he contradicts some of the things Acevedo said, and his testimony provides a different perspective on the alleged scheme.
* What is the significance of the FBI testimony?
The FBI testimony is significant because it provides evidence of the alleged scheme and the investigators’ findings.
