Opening statements set to begin in Madigan corruption trial
(The Center Square) – Prosecutors and defense attorneys selected a jury along with six alternates on Monday before breaking for lunch, making way for opening arguments to begin this afternoon in the high-profile corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.
Madigan appeared in court Monday with his legal team. He also had some supporters in the gallery. His daughter, former Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, and wife, Shirley.
Lisa Madigan served as the state’s attorney general from 2003 to 2019. She did not seek another term in 2018, making way for Kwame Raoul to take the job.
Judge John Robert Blakey said opening statements would begin Monday afternoon with the prosecution. Next up will be Madigan’s defense team. Co-defendant Michael McClain’s attorney, Patrick Cotter, said he was fine with giving his opening argument on Tuesday.
Madigan served in the Illinois House from 1971 to 2021, as speaker from 1983 to 1995 and again from 1997 to 2021. That made him one of the state’s most powerful politicians, especially given his role as head of the Democratic party in the state. He faces 23 counts of racketeering, bribery, and official misconduct. Madigan has pleaded not guilty.
In March 2022, Madigan and McClain were charged with 22 counts of racketeering and bribery for alleged improper dealings with the state’s largest utility, ComEd.
Prosecutors further allege that Madigan used his political power to unlawfully steer business to his private law firm, Madigan & Getzendanner. In October 2022, prosecutors filed a superseding indictment that charged Madigan and McClain with conspiracy related to an alleged corruption scheme involving AT&T Illinois.
