Defense Teams Present Their Cases in Madigan and McClain Trial
Day 40 of the federal corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and co-defendant Michael McClain marked the final day of testimony for jurors, who will not return to the courtroom until January 2, 2025.
Prosecution Rests Its Case
The government formally rested its case on Wednesday, pushing it to the next phase, where defense teams for Madigan, 82, and McClain, 72, will present their cases and call witnesses to testify. Prosecutors called over 50 witnesses and presented evidence, including 150 secretly recorded phone calls and videos.
Madigan’s Defense Team Calls Witnesses
Madigan’s defense team called three witnesses to testify on Thursday, including Andrew Cretal, a real estate developer who worked on the Union West development, a luxury high-rise apartment building in the West Loop. Cretal testified about his conversations with Solis, Madigan, and others, including transcripts of meetings and conversations regarding real estate taxes in Chicago.
The second witness was April Burgos, a longtime aid in Chicago’s 13th Ward office, who testified that Madigan is "one of the most nice, genuine people I’ve ever met in my life." The final witness was David Ellis, a novelist and former chief counsel for Madigan, who testified about his involvement in consumer practice cases and his subsequent return to a role in government.
McClain’s Defense Team Calls Witness
McClain’s defense team called only one witness, Steve Selcke, a longtime AT&T Illinois lobbyist, who testified for close to four hours on Wednesday and Thursday. Selcke is no stranger to the stand, having previously testified in the bribery trial of his friend and former AT&T Illinois President, Paul La Schiazza.
Testimony Highlights
Selcke testified about his conversations with Acevedo, McClain, and others regarding a no-work contract with former State Rep. Eddie Acevedo. He also testified that he did not recall ever receiving a report from his colleagues about Acevedo’s lack of work.
What’s Next?
Jurors will not return to the courtroom until January 2, 2025. It is unclear whether Madigan’s defense team will call any additional witnesses or if the prosecution will call rebuttal witnesses. The trial is expected to resume on January 2, 2025.
Conclusion
The trial of Madigan and McClain has entered its next phase, where defense teams will present their cases and call witnesses to testify. The prosecution has presented its case, and jurors will not return to the courtroom until January 2, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of the trial?
The trial is to determine the guilt or innocence of Michael Madigan and Michael McClain on charges of bribery, racketeering, wire fraud, and other crimes. - How long will the trial last?
The trial is expected to last several weeks, with jurors returning to the courtroom on January 2, 2025. - Who are the key witnesses in the trial?
Andrew Cretal, April Burgos, David Ellis, and Steve Selcke are some of the key witnesses in the trial.
