Prosecutors rest case in corruption trial of ex-Illinois House speaker Michael Madigan

CHICAGO – The prosecution rested its case in the federal corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan on Wednesday.

The trial has been going on for several weeks as jurors have heard from former aides, business executives, elected officials, and others about Madigan’s power and influence in state government and his alleged schemes to benefit himself and his allies. 

Attorneys are still expected to give their closing arguments in the coming days before jurors will be left to decide on a verdict.

The charges

Madigan, the longest-serving legislative leader in American history, was charged in a 23-count indictment for bribery, racketeering, wire fraud, and other crimes.

He’s been accused of using his influence as Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives and as head of the state’s Democratic Party to amass more power and benefit his private tax law practice.

Among other schemes, Madigan is accused of using his influence in government to pass legislation favorable to certain companies like Commonwealth Edison, the electric utility company, in exchange for benefits like no-show jobs and internships for his allies.

“When Madigan saw an opportunity to enrich himself, he took it,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Streicker told the jurors.

Madigan has denied wrongdoing. 

His longtime confidant Michael McClain is also standing trial, though he was already convicted in a separate but related bribery conspiracy case last year involving ComEd.

Secret recordings

Prosecutors have played secret recordings made by witnesses like former Chicago Ald. Danny Solis, who led the powerful Zoning Committee.

During more than 23 hours of testimony, Solid told jurors that federal agents approached him in 2016, and he agreed to cooperate to avoid prison time for admitted wrongdoing, including bribery. He met with Madigan about projects in his ward as the former speaker sought business for his tax firm.

Defense attorneys argued Solis was an unreliable witness for past financial wrongdoing and misspending campaign funds.

Solis said Madigan’s influence would be helpful to him, so he wanted to “curry favor” with the powerful speaker by introducing him to real estate developers whom he could recruit as clients.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.