Introduction to the Case
A federal judge is expected to sentence former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan on Friday for multiple corruption convictions involving the abuse of an office he held for decades.
Background of the Convictions
A jury in February convicted Madigan on 10 criminal counts, including bribery conspiracy, wire fraud and other crimes. The jury delivered its verdict at the end of a four-month trial featuring more than 60 witnesses. All told, the panel convicted Madigan for his role in two schemes.
Details of the Schemes
The first scheme involved ComEd, which paid five Madigan allies $1.3 million over eight years so that Madigan would look more favorably at the utility’s legislation in Springfield. The other involved a plot to install then-Chicago Ald. Danny Solis on a state government board in exchange for Solis’ help landing private business for Madigan’s tax appeals law firm.
Sentencing and Defense
Prosecutors asked U.S. District Judge John Blakey to give Madigan 12 ½ years behind bars. Defense attorneys sought probation for the Southwest Side Democrat. Nearly 250 people wrote letters supporting Madigan, and his wife made a video-recorded plea to the judge.
Madigan’s Career and Reputation
Madigan, the country’s longest-serving state House leader, served as speaker of the Illinois House from 1983 until 2021, with the exception of two years when Republicans took control. Along the way, he developed a reputation as an all-powerful political wizard who wielded vast influence over laws affecting nearly every aspect of life in the state.
Early Life and Influences
A political disciple of the late Mayor Richard J. Daley, Madigan grew up in Chicago’s tight-knit 13th Ward. He explained to the jury that his father was a union man, involved in local politics, and an alcoholic.
Testimony and Perjury Allegations
But on the witness stand, Madigan denied that he’d ever traded his public office for private gain, or demanded or accepted something of value in exchange for an official act. Prosecutors now say Madigan committed perjury when he testified in his own defense.
Net Worth and Financial Disclosures
They also disclosed this month that Madigan has an estimated net worth of $40 million, though Blakey wound up striking that from the record at the request of Madigan’s attorneys.
Investigation Timeline and Cooperating Witnesses
The probe that snared Madigan dates back to 2014. Prosecutors secured his conviction partly with help from Solis. The longtime former 25th Ward Council member agreed to wear a wire for the FBI after agents confronted him with evidence of his own wrongdoing.
Related Convictions and Sentences
Solis also helped the feds convict ex-Chicago Ald. Edward M. Burke, who is already serving a two-year prison term.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the sentencing of Michael Madigan marks a significant milestone in the investigation into corruption in Illinois politics. The case highlights the importance of accountability and transparency in government.
FAQs
Q: What are the charges against Michael Madigan?
A: Madigan was convicted on 10 criminal counts, including bribery conspiracy, wire fraud, and other crimes.
Q: What is the recommended sentence for Madigan?
A: Prosecutors asked U.S. District Judge John Blakey to give Madigan 12 ½ years behind bars, while defense attorneys sought probation.
Q: How many people have been charged in the investigation?
A: The investigation led to criminal charges against roughly 20 people, with nine already serving prison terms and four others set to be sentenced in the coming weeks.
