A Jury Delivers a Split Verdict Against Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan
Madigan Found Guilty on 10 Counts, Not Guilty on 7, and a Mistrial on 12 Counts
A jury has delivered a split verdict against former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, finding him guilty on 10 of 23 criminal counts. The jury also found him not guilty on seven counts, and was unable to reach a verdict on 12 additional counts, announced in court on Wednesday morning.
McClain’s Fate Remains Uncertain
Michael McClain, Madigan’s longtime confidant, was also charged with six counts in the case, but the jury deadlocked on all six, resulting in a mistrial.
Long Trial and Complicated Case
The trial has spanned more than three months, including dozens of witnesses and hundreds of audio recordings, with jury deliberations beginning late last month. The corruption trial for Madigan and McClain is the culmination of a years-long investigation into the way lobbying and political influence are undertaken in Springfield.
Charges and Allegations
The 23-count federal indictment charges both men with racketeering, conspiracy, bribery, and wire fraud, with Madigan facing an additional charge of extortion. Madigan is accused of using the influence of his position as Illinois’ most powerful political figure to enrich himself and others, but he has strenuously defended himself, both through his legal team and through his own testimony, which took the political world by surprise earlier this month.
Closing Arguments and Jury Deliberations
As attorneys made their final arguments to the jury, former federal prosecutor Patrick Collins said the prosecution’s case is a difficult one to make, given all of the different pieces of evidence they’ve had to present as a cohesive argument against Madigan and McClain. “It’s not a slam dunk. The rules of the game have changed when it comes to bribery,” he said. “There has to be a quid pro quo. There has to be a really right nexus.”
Prosecution’s Case
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia Schwartz told the jury that both men conspired to enhance Madigan’s power, while lining their own pockets in the process. “Ladies and gentlemen, legislation should not be bought,” she said. “But that is what was happening here. They knew it, because they set it up that way.” Prosecutors accused Madigan of using ComEd as his private piggy bank and a place to park people loyal to him.
Defense’s Case
Madigan’s defense laid out their case, with the former speaker taking the stand in his own defense, an uncommon sight in corruption trials. Madigan admitted during his testimony that he had asked McClain for help in finding employment for “as many as 10-to-20 people,” including Acevedo, but denied he had made any sort of deal to make that happen. “The answer would be no,” Madigan told attorneys.
Conclusion
The jury’s verdict brings an end to a long and complex trial, which has captivated the nation. While Madigan’s fate is now uncertain, the investigation and trial have shed light on the inner workings of Illinois politics and the corrupt practices that have long plagued the state.
FAQs
* What are the charges against Michael Madigan and Michael McClain?
The 23-count federal indictment charges both men with racketeering, conspiracy, bribery, and wire fraud, with Madigan facing an additional charge of extortion.
* What is the alleged motive behind the charges?
Madigan is accused of using the influence of his position as Illinois’ most powerful political figure to enrich himself and others.
* How long has the trial lasted?
The trial has spanned more than three months, including dozens of witnesses and hundreds of audio recordings, with jury deliberations beginning late last month.
* What is the significance of the verdict?
The jury’s verdict brings an end to a long and complex trial, shedding light on the inner workings of Illinois politics and the corrupt practices that have long plagued the state.
