Evidence presented has detailed his alleged involvement in various schemes, including kickbacks related to the state’s largest utility and commercial developments in Chinatown that benefited his private tax firm. Testimonies have introduced key figures including a congresswoman, former state legislators, and a critical witness—a former Chicago alderman who wore a wire while engaging with Madigan.
The Charges
Madigan faces a 23-count indictment that includes charges for bribery, racketeering, wire fraud, among other offenses. Prosecutors argue that he exploited his powerful position as both the Illinois House speaker and the head of the state’s Democratic Party to profit personally and consolidate his political strength. In addition to his role in politics, Madigan is accused of receiving benefits through private work that he allegedly directed to his law practice.
The trial illustrates the intertwining of Madigan’s professional and personal interests, especially evident in meetings held at his downtown law office. These gatherings often included other elected officials, political advisors, and business partners within the backdrop of tax-related discussions. The recordings indicate that despite the nature of the meetings, he was frequently referred to as “the speaker.”
In a noteworthy instance documented in a 2014 meeting, Madigan was introduced to hotel developers for a Chinatown project by an undercover businessman. Madigan advocated for his firm, emphasizing a desire for sustained engagement rather than quick profits. “We’re interested in a long-term relationship,” he stated, asserting the superior quality of service offered by his firm.
Following this introduction, the alderman remarked to an associate, “If he works with the speaker, he will get anything he needs for that hotel.”
Star Witness
A pivotal aspect of the trial has been the testimony from former Chicago Alderman Danny Solis, who served on the council for 23 years and headed the influential zoning committee. Throughout Madigan’s efforts to attract clients for his tax firm, Solis often met with him to discuss projects in areas under his ward’s jurisdiction.
Solis’s covert work for federal agents—including secretly gathering audio and video evidence—was unknown to everyone around him, including his own family. He testified that federal agents approached him in June 2016, leading him to cooperate in order to avoid imprisonment for his own legal transgressions like bribery.
Nonetheless, Solis’s credibility has been questioned due to his substantial financial hardships, marital issues following an affair, and ethical violations, including accepting personal pleasures from a developer in exchange for favors. Under cross-examination, defense attorneys highlighted Solis’s past misdeeds, pointing out that his behaviors raised reliability issues. Solis confirmed during questioning that he had committed significant infractions while in office.
Further witness testimonies have included U.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski, who spoke about Madigan’s significant influence in 2018 during her tenure as an advisor to Governor JB Pritzker.
The Recordings
Some of the videos attributed to Solis are of questionable quality, yet they reveal Madigan’s unusual methods. Being notably private, Madigan had no cellphone or email address. In one 2018 call, he inquired about a proposed apartment building, stating, “Is that going to go ahead? You know why I’m interested,” demonstrating his vested interest in development activities.
Solis recounted how vital Madigan’s backing was to his business pursuits and, for that reason, he arranged introductions with developers to curry favor.
The Schemes
A thorough investigation into public corruption in Illinois has already yielded multiple convictions, including those of several previous officials and Madigan’s ex-chief of staff. Allegations against Madigan involve leveraging his political clout to pass legislation beneficial to ComEd, the utility company, in exchange for generating financial rewards for his associates—allegations that include kickbacks, contracts, and employment arranged for underperformed colleagues.
“When Madigan saw an opportunity to enrich himself, he took it,” asserted Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Streicker to the jurors.
Defense attorneys have articulated that Madigan remains a principled public servant, describing him as “incorruptible.” Although he has consistently denied any wrongdoing, he has refrained from making public statements throughout the trial, instead focusing on observing witnesses and jurors closely, taking notes along the way. His family members, including his daughter Lisa Madigan, a former Illinois Attorney General, have also been present during the proceedings.
Additionally, Michael McClain, a long-time advisor to Madigan, is also being tried alongside him. McClain has already been convicted in a related case involving bribery linked to ComEd.
The trial is projected to continue into mid-January.
