Madigan Corruption Trial Jury Continues Deliberations without Sign of Conflict
Deliberations Enter Sixth Day with No Verdict in Sight
Deliberations in the Michael Madigan political corruption trial continued for a sixth day, with the jury of eight women and four men still combing through a mountain of evidence. Madigan and co-defendant Michael McClain are accused of racketeering, bribery, and wire fraud.
Jury Deliberation Times Compared to Recent Blockbuster Trials
The Chicago Tribune compared jury deliberation times to recent blockbuster trials, including the ComEd 4 conviction, which mirrors the Madigan trial in many ways. Jurors took 27 hours to convict the so-called ‘ComEd 4.’ In contrast, the Madigan jury has deliberated for close to 34 hours so far.
No Sign of Conflict or Trouble
WGN News legal analyst Paul Lisnek noted that there is no sign of conflict or trouble in the jury room, citing the lack of notes from jurors. “It’s almost as though this jury is telling the lawyers and the judge, ‘We don’t need your help. We just need time,'” Lisnek said.
Tension Builds at the Dirksen Federal Building
Lead prosecutor Amar Bhachu, public corruption chief for the US Attorney in the Northern District of Illinois, is awaiting the verdict, along with everyone else. Lisnek believes prosecutors should not be concerned, citing the lack of signs of conflict or problems in the jury room.
Comparing Deliberation Times to Other High-Profile Trials
WGN’s Mike Lowe tracked jury deliberations at another racketeering bribery trial involving former Chicago alderman Ed Burke, reporting 23 hours of deliberations to reach a guilty verdict. On the other end of the spectrum, former Illinois Governor George Ryan’s 2006 guilty verdict on racketeering, bribery, and money laundering charges took jurors 11 days to reach.
What’s at Stake in the Madigan Trial
Federal prosecutors allege that Madigan and McClain operated a long-term, multi-faceted conspiracy to use public positions for unlawful gain. Jurors went home for the day at 4:30 p.m. and will resume deliberations on Thursday.
Conclusion
As the jury continues to deliberate, the nation waits with bated breath for a verdict. With no signs of conflict or trouble, it remains to be seen what the outcome will be. One thing is certain, however: the stakes are high, and the eyes of the nation are on the Dirksen Federal Building.
FAQs
* What is the charge against Michael Madigan and Michael McClain?
+ Racketeering, bribery, and wire fraud
* How long have the jurors been deliberating?
+ Close to 34 hours
* How does this compare to other high-profile trials?
+ The jury has deliberated longer than the ComEd 4 trial, but shorter than former Illinois Governor George Ryan’s 2006 guilty verdict
* What is the potential outcome of the trial?
+ A guilty verdict could have significant implications for Madigan and McClain, potentially leading to prison time and fines.
