Madigan Trial Resumes with More Wiretapped Conversations and Alleged Illegal Acts
Government Unveils New Evidence
Prosecutors on Monday unveiled more wiretapped conversations and Mike Madigan’s allegedly unlawful interactions with the ComEd Four as the longtime politician’s corruption trial resumed.
In-court Evidence
In federal court on October 28, former ComEd executive and general counsel Thomas O’Neill spent much of the day on the stand describing ComEd’s complicated effort to modernize their aging infrastructure with Smart Grid technology and other improvements. However, the utility company needed legislative approval. O’Neill is not accused of any wrongdoing.
The Accusations
According to a 23-count federal indictment, Madigan allegedly traded legislative support for jobs, bribes, and other benefits.
Beyond ComEd
The government alleges that Madigan, with the help of co-defendant Michael McClain, schemed to arrange for “no-show” jobs to reward political loyalists. The government said that the alleged criminal conspiracy sometimes included pressure from McClain regarding a dispute about legal work for a Madigan crony.
More Evidence Unveiled
O’Neill read the 2019 McClain email to the jury.
“I know the drill and so do you,” wrote McClain. “If you do not get involved and resolve this issue of 850 hours for his law firm per year, then he will go to our ‘Friend.’ Our Friend will call me and then I will call you. Is this a drill we must go through?”
Prosecutors revealed that the alleged scheme extended beyond ComEd, with two associates targeting other job prospects.
New Wiretapped Conversation
In a June 2018 wiretapped phone call played in court Monday, Madigan and McClain can be heard discussing jobs with the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office and other state agencies, allegedly dictating who would get those jobs.
“There’s a job at the (Illinois) Secretary of State’s Office in Springfield,” Madigan is allegedly heard saying on the call with McClain. “It pays about $65,000 a year and it’s based in Springfield. If you can think of anybody?”
“I will,” responded McClain. “I will.”
Testimony to Resume
Testimony resumes Tuesday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the alleged scheme?
Madigan allegedly traded legislative support for jobs, bribes, and other benefits, and arranged for “no-show” jobs to reward political loyalists.
Who is involved in the alleged scheme?
Madigan, along with co-defendant Michael McClain, is accused of orchestrating the alleged criminal conspiracy.
What is the timeline of the alleged scheme?
The alleged scheme allegedly extended beyond ComEd, with two associates targeting other job prospects, and was first revealed in 2019.
What is the next step in the trial?
Testimony will resume on Tuesday.
What is the allegations against Mike Madigan?
Madigan is accused of trading legislative support for jobs, bribes, and other benefits, and of scheming to arrange for “no-show” jobs to reward political loyalists.
