(The Center Square) – Tuesday is Day One of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s and co-defendant Michael McClain’s trial on racketeering and bribery charges.
U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois John Lausch announced a federal jury’s indictment of Madigan on March 2, 2022.
“The indictment accuses Madigan of leading, for nearly a decade, a criminal enterprise whose purpose was to enhance Madigan’s political power and financial well-being while also generating income for his political allies and associates,” Lausch stated.
Illinois state Sen. Andrew Chesney, R-Freeport, issued a statement before the upcoming trial.
“You may recall that back in 2020 when I served in the Illinois House, I was one of three petitioners who called for a House investigation into alleged corruption activities of Madigan. This request was made in response to information that had emerged regarding an alleged arrangement between the speaker, one of his closest confidants, and ComEd, where funds were allegedly funneled to Madigan allies in exchange for a favorable vote on energy legislation,” Chesney said. “ComEd admitted to their role in the agreement in exchange for a deferred prosecution agreement with the federal government.”