Ex-Speaker of the House Michael Madigan Faces Cross-Examination
Prosecutors Criticize Madigan’s Scheduling and Alleged Bribery Scheme
Former Speaker of the Illinois House Michael Madigan faced his toughest test since deciding to take the stand in his public corruption trial. On Monday, prosecutors finally got their chance to cross-examine the 82-year-old who is charged with bribery, racketeering, wire fraud, official misconduct, and other crimes.
Madigan’s Scheduling Criticized
At the start of cross-examination, federal prosecutors were on the offensive, criticizing Michael Madigan, who famously split his time between his busy and highly successful private law firm and his job as the Illinois Speaker of the House. “You weren’t working full-time when you were Speaker, were you, sir?” federal prosecutors asked Madigan.
Oath to Tell the Truth
Madigan’s lawyers had argued that he was able to balance his dual roles, but prosecutors disputed this. “You took an oath to tell the truth, didn’t you, sir?” prosecutors asked Madigan.
Wiretapped Phone Call Played for Jurors
Assistant US Attorney Amarjeet Bhachu laid the groundwork Monday at Chicago’s Federal Courthouse, playing an FBI wiretap for jurors that captured a 2018 conversation between co-defendants Madigan and Michael McClain about Dennis Gannon, the president of the Chicago Federation of Labor at the time. Gannon is not accused of any wrongdoing.
Excerpts from the Wiretapped Phone Call
Madigan: “How did Gannon get involved?”
McClain: “Yeah, remember we got him on that contract maybe five years ago, whenever it was. For a ‘buck-fifty’ ($150,000) a year.”
Madigan (laughter) “Some of those guys made out like bandits.”
Pattern of Political Corruption Alleged
Prosecutors are seeking to establish an alleged pattern of political corruption. Madigan and McClain are accused of securing ‘no-work’ or ‘little-work’ contracts for political loyalists.
Cross-Examination Continues
Madigan took the stand for close to three hours, albeit with breaks included. McClain previously declined to take the stand in his defense. While court is adjourned for the day, the trial is expected to last until the end of January.
Conclusion
The cross-examination of Michael Madigan is ongoing, with prosecutors seeking to prove that he and his co-defendant Michael McClain were involved in a scheme of bribery, racketeering, wire fraud, official misconduct, and other crimes. Madigan’s testimony is crucial in determining the outcome of the trial.
FAQs
* What is the nature of the charges against Michael Madigan?
Madigan is charged with bribery, racketeering, wire fraud, official misconduct, and other crimes.
* How long did Madigan serve as Speaker of the Illinois House?
Madigan served as Speaker of the Illinois House for many years.
* Is Dennis Gannon accused of any wrongdoing?
No, Gannon is not accused of any wrongdoing.
