Defense attorneys for former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and codefendant Michael McClain are set to begin presenting their case Wednesday in a corruption trial that has captured significant attention. The trial, which involves 23 counts of bribery, racketeering, and official misconduct, centers around the alleged “Madigan Enterprise” scheme in which utilities like ComEd and AT&T Illinois allegedly provided no-work jobs and contracts to individuals loyal to Madigan in exchange for favorable legislation in Springfield.
On Tuesday, prosecutors concluded their presentation by calling their final witnesses and playing recorded wiretap calls between Madigan and McClain. The testimony included calls regarding legislation tied to AT&T and a land-transfer bill involving Chinatown. Former state Rep. Eddie Acevedo, who served as a key witness, finished his testimony, although he struggled with memory issues, often stating that he could not recall details or events due to his memory problems.
Acevedo’s testimony was contentious, as he had been involved in past investigations and pled guilty to tax evasion in 2021. His statements about his work with AT&T contradicted earlier testimony, causing further tension in the case. Additionally, FBI agents presented evidence of calls and meetings between McClain, Madigan, and others connected to utilities legislation, revealing a deep web of interactions between lawmakers and corporate interests.
Madigan and McClain are accused of using their political influence to secure jobs and contracts for their allies, with prosecutors pointing to multiple instances of bribery and misconduct. Madigan, who served in the Illinois House for 50 years and chaired the Democratic Party of Illinois for decades, has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The defense is expected to begin its arguments Wednesday, and the case is set to continue at the Everett McKinley Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago.
