Closing Arguments Underway in Historic Madigan Corruption Trial
Prosecutors Kicked Off Closing Arguments
Prosecutors kicked off closing arguments Wednesday in the trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan, the final opportunity for attorneys to make their case to jurors who will soon begin considering the historic case against the Southwest Side Democrat.
“Power and Profit”
“Power and profit,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia Schwartz told jurors during her opening salvo. “Michael Madigan and Michael McClain conspired to enhance and preserve Madigan’s power and line Madigan’s pockets.
Legislation Should Not Be Bought
“Ladies and gentlemen, legislation should not be bought. But that’s what was happening here,” Schwartz said. “And Madigan knew that, because he and McClain set it up that way.”
U.S. District Judge John Blakey
U.S. District Judge John Blakey promised not to put any time limits on the arguments. The lawyers have predicted they’ll last three days, but the trial’s timeline has been difficult to predict since it began in early October.
Jurors Will Hear First from Prosecutors
Jurors will hear first from prosecutors, then from attorneys for Madigan, and then from the team representing his co-defendant, Michael McClain. But prosecutors carry the burden of proof, so they will also make a rebuttal argument, giving them the last word.
11 Weeks of Testimony
The closing arguments follow 11 weeks of testimony, in which jurors heard from more than 60 witnesses. Most notable among them was Madigan himself. He testified for nearly 12 hours over four days earlier this month. McClain opted not to testify.
The Alleged Enterprise
The indictment alleges schemes taking place between 2011 and 2019. In two of them, it says Madigan conspired to accept bribes from ComEd and AT&T Illinois in the form of jobs, contracts, and money for his allies while legislation crucial to the utilities moved through Springfield.
The Five Schemes
The indictment alleges five separate schemes. At its core, the indictment accuses Madigan of leading the criminal “Madigan Enterprise,” designed to enhance his political power and reward his allies and associates. McClain is accused of acting as his agent.
Prosecutors Say Five Madigan Allies Were Paid $1.3 Million
Prosecutors say five Madigan allies were paid $1.3 million by ComEd over eight years. The money was paid through intermediaries, and the recipients allegedly did little or no work for ComEd. They were former Alds. Frank Olivo and Michael R. Zalewski, former Cook County Recorder of Deeds Edward Moody, longtime Madigan campaign worker Raymond Nice, and ex-state Rep. Edward “Eddie” Acevedo.
Conclusion
The closing arguments in the historic Madigan corruption trial have come to a close. Prosecutors have presented their case, and now it is up to the jury to decide the fate of former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan. The trial has been a long and complex one, with many twists and turns. But in the end, it is up to the jury to determine whether Madigan is guilty of the charges brought against him.
FAQs
Q: What are the charges against Michael Madigan?
A: Madigan is accused of leading a racketeering conspiracy and accepting bribes from ComEd and AT&T Illinois.
Q: What is the alleged purpose of the conspiracy?
A: The alleged purpose of the conspiracy is to enhance Madigan’s political power and reward his allies and associates.
Q: Who is Michael McClain?
A: McClain is Madigan’s co-defendant and is accused of acting as his agent in the alleged conspiracy.
Q: How long did the trial last?
A: The trial lasted for 11 weeks, with closing arguments taking place over three days.
Q: What is the significance of the trial?
A: The trial is significant because it is the first major corruption trial to come out of the FBI’s investigation into Illinois politics. It is also a test of the state’s anti-corruption laws and the ability of the justice system to hold public officials accountable for their actions.
