Michael Madigan Takes Stand in His Own Corruption Trial
The Charges Against Madigan
Michael Madigan, the longest-serving legislative leader in U.S. history, was charged in a 23-count indictment for bribery, racketeering, wire fraud, and other crimes.
He’s been accused of using his influence as the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives and as head of the Illinois Democratic Party to accumulate power and benefit his private tax law practice. Madigan served in the state legislature from 1971 to 2021 after he was ousted as speaker by his fellow Democrats and resigned his seat representing part of the Southwest Side of Chicago.
Among other schemes, Madigan allegedly used his influence in state government to pass legislation favorable to certain companies like ComEd, the electric utility company, in exchange for benefits like no-show jobs and internships for allies.
“When Madigan saw an opportunity to enrich himself, he took it,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Streicker told the jurors.
Madigan has denied wrongdoing.
Secret Recordings
Prosecutors have played secret recordings made by witnesses like former Chicago Ald. Danny Solis, who led the city’s powerful Zoning Committee.
During several hours of testimony, Solis told jurors that federal agents approached him in 2016. He then agreed to cooperate to avoid prison time for admitted wrongdoing, including bribery. Solis met with Madigan about projects in his ward as the then-speaker sought business for his tax firm.
Defense attorneys argued Solis was an unreliable witness because of past financial wrongdoing and misspending campaign funds.
Solis said Madigan’s influence would be helpful to him, so he wanted to “curry favor” with the speaker by introducing him to real estate developers whom he could recruit as clients.
What’s Next?
Attorneys have expressed to Judge John Robert Blakey that they would prefer closing arguments and jury instructions to take place in the same week.
Jurors will not be seated this Thursday, January 9, which has been declared a National Day of Mourning for former President Jimmy Carter. Additionally, jurors will not meet on Monday, January 20 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The trial is not held on Fridays.
Blakey told the jury he does not anticipate they will receive the case to start deliberations until the week of January 27.
Mike Madigan corruption trial: Here’s what he was asked on the stand
Michael Madigan, the ex-speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, has taken the stand to testify in his own defense during his federal corruption trial this week.
The decision came as a shock, considering the former political powerhouse is known to seldom speak publicly.
It is arguably the most notable testimony to unfold at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse since former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich took the stand during his own corruption trial in 2011.
Madigan’s trial has been underway since October and is now expected to last several more weeks. Jurors have heard from former aides, business executives, elected officials, and others about how Madigan wielded his power and influence over state government in alleged schemes to benefit himself and allies.
Such a move by a defendant to take the stand is rare in criminal trials and comes with risks.
“It’s really a high-risk, high-reward situation,” said Ron Safer, partner, Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP.
For the first time, jurors heard directly from one of the men whose fate they will soon decide. Madigan took the stand at approximately 12:40 p.m. on Tuesday, and was examined by his defense attorney until court recessed for the day just before 5 p.m.
As he testified, Madigan remained calm—answering questions confidently and charismatically.
Madigan answered questions about his childhood in the city’s Marquette Park neighborhood, describing his father as strict and saying the word “nurturing” did not exist in their home.
He also discussed his role as Illinois House Speaker, answering questions about his interactions with ComEd and AT&T.
“He’s going to tell the jury who he is, what he was doing for the people’s good,” Safer said.
When diving into his role as Illinois House Speaker, Madigan answered questions about his interactions with ComEd and AT&T.
“He’s going to tell the jury who he is, what he was doing for the people’s good,” Safer said.
Conclusion
Michael Madigan’s decision to take the stand in his own defense is a rare move in criminal trials, and it comes with risks. However, by doing so, Madigan may be able to humanize himself and paint a different picture of his actions. The jury will now have to weigh the evidence and decide whether Madigan is guilty or not guilty of the charges against him.
FAQs
Q: What are the charges against Michael Madigan?
A: Madigan is charged with bribery, racketeering, wire fraud, and other crimes for allegedly using his influence as the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives and as head of the Illinois Democratic Party to accumulate power and benefit his private tax law practice.
Q: Who is Michael Madigan?
A: Michael Madigan is the former Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives and the longest-serving legislative leader in U.S. history.
Q: What is the significance of Madigan taking the stand in his own defense?
A: Taking the stand is a rare move in criminal trials, and it comes with risks. By doing so, Madigan may be able to humanize himself and paint a different picture of his actions, which could impact the jury’s decision.
