CHICAGO– Jury selection begins Wednesday in the corruption process from former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan once longest-serving legislature leader in American history.
The case against Madigan, who resigned in 2021is one of the largest corruption trials in Illinois in years. The 83-year-old does charged in a multimillion-dollar racketeering and bribery scheme that also involved the state’s largest utility, ComEd.
Federal prosecutors allege the Chicago Democrat used his power not only as speaker but in other roles, including as head of the state Democratic Party, to run a “criminal enterprise” to amass even more wealth and power. A 23-count indictment against him includes racketeering conspiracy, wire fraud and attempted extortion.
More than 1,000 people received a jury summons. That number was reduced to about 180 people who showed up at the federal courthouse in Chicago on Tuesday to fill out questionnaires. Interrogation by federal prosecutors and defense attorneys of Madigan and his co-defendant and longtime confidante Michael McClain was scheduled to begin Wednesday.
At a pre-trial hearing on Tuesday, U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey described a “very good” presentation from potential jurors, with only two no-shows and two dismissals for just cause.
Twelve jurors and six alternates will be chosen ahead of opening statements, expected early next week. The testimony is expected to last three months.
Prosecutors allege Madigan used his influence to pass legislation favorable to electric utility ComEd. In return, ComEd offered kickbacks, jobs and contracts to Madigan loyalists.
Madigan and McClain have both denied wrongdoing.
“I was never involved in any criminal activity,” Madigan said when the charges were announced in 2022.
Much of the evidence expected at trial, including wiretapped conversations, has already been viewed in open court.
An in-depth federal investigation into government corruption in Illinois has led to state convictions legislators and Madigan’s former chief of staff. McClain and three other ComEd officials were convicted in a separate but related case. They have yet to be sentenced.
Defense attorneys expect many challenges for jurors because of Madigan’s name recognition.
Madigan was first elected to the Legislature in 1970 and served as Speaker from 1983 to 2021, with the exception of two years when Republicans were in power. He set much of Illinois’ political agenda and decided which pieces of legislation would be voted on. He controlled and supervised several campaign funds making political maps.