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CBS News
a day ago
- Politics
- CBS News
Attorneys ask for release of former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan as they appeal conviction
The legal team for former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan asked a judge Monday for his release as they appeal his conviction. Last month, Madigan was sentenced to 7 1/2 years in prison, following his conviction on bribery, conspiracy, and fraud charges. Madigan was also ordered to pay a $2.5 million fine. In a new court filing, Madigan's attorneys said they plan to appeal over several factors — including erroneous jury instructions and insufficient evidence. The filing was not a surprise, with an appeal expected. But so far, there has been no ruling from the judge.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan sentenced to 7.5 years in prison
CHICAGO, Ill. (WTVO) — Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan has been sentenced to 7 and a half years in prison on bribery and corruption charges. A jury convicted Madigan earlier this year of conspiracy, bribery, and wire fraud in a high-profile corruption trial. He was also ordered to pay a $2.5 million fine. The jury could not reach a decision on six of the 23 counts against him, including an overarching racketeering conspiracy charge, after deliberations that lasted more than 10 days. Ultimately, he was convicted on 10 counts of bribery, conspiracy, and wire fraud. Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual called it a 'historic' conviction, ranking high among top public corruption cases tried in Chicago's federal courthouse. He said that Illinois residents have a right to trust in their government.' The trial, which began in October, featured more than 60 witnesses, including a congresswoman, business leaders and former state legislators. Madigan, 83, served as House speaker for more than 30 years, becoming the longest serving U.S. legislator, and earned the nickname the 'Velvet Hammer' for his forceful yet quiet leadership style. He left political office in 2021 while under investigation and was indicted the following year. First elected to the Legislature in 1970, Madigan was speaker of the state House from 1983 to 2021, except for two years when Republicans were in control. He set much of Illinois' political agenda by deciding which legislation would be voted on and by controlling several campaign funds. He also oversaw political mapmaking. Among his crimes: Madigan used his influence to pass legislation that benefited companies like ComEd, which gave kickbacks, jobs, and contracts to Madigan loyalists in return. Rep. John Cabello (R-Machesney Park) reacted to the sentencing, saying, 'I hope the entirety of his trial sends a message to every corrupt politician watching: The people of Illinois deserve better—not the corrupt cesspool Madigan and his cronies created. Sadly, there are currently 57 state lawmakers, including those from the Rockford area, who received funding from or maintain ties with Madigan. Another reason that Illinois needs real ethics reform now.' Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) said, 'No one is above the law. Speaker Madigan was found guilty of gaming the system for personal gain. The people of Illinois expect more from their leaders and deserve an ethical state government. We need to stop the culture of pay-to-play politics that has allowed corruption to run rampant in Illinois for decades'. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
09-06-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Former House Speaker Mike Madigan to appear in court Monday ahead of sentencing
Fmr. House Speaker Mike Madigan to appear in court ahead of sentencing Fmr. House Speaker Mike Madigan to appear in court ahead of sentencing Fmr. House Speaker Mike Madigan to appear in court ahead of sentencing Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan will be back in court on Monday, just days before his sentencing. The judge is expected to consider post-trial motions. This follows a four-month trial in which Madigan was accused of running a years-long criminal enterprise to enrich himself and his political allies. In February, he was convicted of bribery conspiracy, bribery, and wire fraud charges, but he was acquitted of several other charges. Last week, Madigan's wife sent a video pleading with the judge, explaining how she wouldn't know what to do without him around. "I really don't exist without him. I wish I could say that I do, but I don't know what I would do without Michael. I would probably have to find someplace to live, and I would have to find care," Shirley Madigan said. She hopes this video will be played in open court ahead of his sentencing on Friday. Madigan could potentially face up to 20 years in prison.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ex-Illinois Speaker Mike Madigan's attorneys ask for no prison time for bribery conviction
The Brief Lawyers for ex-Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan are asking that he not be sent to prison for his bribery conviction. Federal prosecutors recommended a prison sentence of more than 12 years and a $15 million fine. Earlier this year, a jury found Madigan guilty on 10 of 23 counts, including bribery and wire fraud. CHICAGO - Attorneys for former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan are asking that he not be given a prison sentence after he was convicted of bribery and conspiracy earlier this year. What we know Federal prosecutors have already called for sentencing Madigan to more than 12 years in prison, which his lawyers called "draconian," in a new court filing. Madigan's attorneys argued it would essentially be a life sentence for the 83-year-old. Instead, they're asking that Madigan be sentenced to five years' probation, including one year of home detention, community service, and a "reasonable" fine. Prosecutors said they're also seeking a $15 million fine from Madigan. "Madigan was in a special position of trust and responsibility to the public. Yet he deprived all residents of Illinois of honest government and eroded the public's trust," prosecutors wrote in their memo." Earlier this year, a jury found Madigan guilty on 10 of 23 counts, including bribery and wire fraud. The former speaker, arguably the most powerful politician in Illinois at one point, was accused of using his role leading the state House and heading the state Democratic Party to enrich himself and his allies by securing jobs, contracts, and other financial benefits. What's next Madigan's sentencing is scheduled for this Friday.
CBS News
07-06-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Shirley Madigan, wife of former House Speaker Mike Madigan, makes video plea to federal judge before his sentencing
The wife of former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan is pleading with a federal judge before his sentencing next week. Shirley Madigan sent a video about her husband, who was convicted on corruption charges, that she hopes will be played in open court. In the video, she explained that she wouldn't know what to do without him around. "I really don't exist without him. I wish I could say that I do, but I don't know what I will do without Michael. I would probably have to find some place to live, and I probably would have to find care," she said. Mike Madigan was convicted of bribery conspiracy, bribery, and wire fraud charges in February, but was acquitted of several other charges after a four-month trial accusing him of running a years-long criminal enterprise to enrich himself and his political allies. He was convicted on 10 counts and acquitted on seven others, while jurors were deadlocked on six other counts against him. The jury also was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on all six charges against his co-defendant, Michael McClain. The verdict was reached after more than 60 hours of deliberations over 11 days. Madigan and McClain faced a 23-count indictment in federal court in Chicago on charges of racketeering conspiracy, bribery, wire fraud, and attempted extortion. They were accused of conspiring with utility companies ComEd and AT&T to provide no-show jobs to Madigan's allies in exchange for the speaker's help on legislation. Prosecutors also accused Madigan of pressuring real estate developers to hire his private law firm, which specializes in property tax appeals. His sentencing is scheduled for June 13.
