‘Make it a federal court suit’: Jurors hear wiretap of McClain describing subcontracts alleged to be bribes
In same call, co-defendant justified the contracts as necessary ‘because Mike Madigan came to us’
Tag: bribery
‘You agreed to wear wires against your ComEd family’: Star witness in Madigan trial grilled on cross-examination
Defense attorneys try to undercut Fidel Marquez’s credibility after gun purchase attempt CHICAGO – Before the sun rose on a cold Wednesday morning in January 2019, Fidel Marquez agreed to a life-altering assignment as a cooperating witness in a criminal case the government was building against his colleagues at electric utility Commonwealth Edison and powerful
Michael Madigan’s 12 jurors have finally been chosen — alternates still needed before openings begin
The 12 primary jurors include a nurse who enjoys Marvel movies, a woman who works for Aramark and another woman who has worked in catering, including for an event tied to the recent Democratic National Convention. It took seven days and dozens of interviews, but 12 jurors have finally been chosen to decide whether Michael J.
Michael Madigan’s friendship with alleged fixer could be tested during their corruption trial
Danny Solis had been making secret recordings for the FBI for more than a year when he met with Michael McClain in 2017 and asked a question that would eventually go to the heart of one of the biggest federal corruption cases in Chicago history. “What’s your relationship … with Mike, with the speaker?” Solis asked. The “Mike”
Madigan judge refuses to toss counts after Supreme Court ruling limited bribery law
U.S. District Judge John Blakey handed down his ruling less than a week before the former Illinois House Speaker is set for trial. The judge also denied a request from Madigan’s longtime friend and confidante to be tried separately. A federal judge on Wednesday declined to dismiss criminal charges leveled against former Illinois House
Case of former AT&T boss accused of bribing Madigan heads to jury
Ex-AT&T Illinois president maintains company got legislative win through legal lobbying CHICAGO – On Valentine’s Day in 2017, then-AT&T Illinois President Paul La Schiazza got some good news: After years of trying to push for legislation in Springfield that would save the company hundreds of millions of dollars annually, powerful Illinois House Speaker Michael
Prosecutors rest case against former AT&T Illinois boss accused of bribing Madigan
Former Illinois House speaker appears in separate courtroom ahead of own trial CHICAGO – After years of pushing in Springfield, AT&T Illinois’ executive team was thrilled when the Illinois General Assembly in 2017 passed legislation that would get the company out from under expensive obligations to maintain its aging copper landline wires in Illinois. “Game
In bribery trial, AT&T lobbyists detail contentious meeting with Madigan ally
Feds allege AT&T boss bribed Madigan with contract for political ally Eddie Acevedo CHICAGO – On an afternoon in late April 2017, recently retired state Rep. Eddie Acevedo was called to a meeting in the state Capitol in Springfield. The 20-year veteran lawmaker had joined his sons’ lobbying firm and was looking for work. Meeting
On witness stand, former AT&T lobbyist describes how Madigan ally got $22,500 contract
Trial continues in case of ex-AT&T Illinois president accused of bribing former speaker CHICAGO – The day before Thanksgiving in 2016, then-AT&T Illinois president Paul La Schiazza read some news that frustrated him. It seemed that energy giant Exelon, the parent company of Chicago-based electric utility Commonwealth Edison, was going to get a big
Trial of former AT&T Illinois boss accused of bribing Madigan begins
Feds claim AT&T won big in Springfield only after hiring ex-Illinois House speaker’s political ally CHICAGO – As the federal corruption trial of former AT&T Illinois president Paul La Schiazza formally kicked off on Wednesday, prosecutors and defense attorneys painted two very different pictures of a political hire the telecom giant made in 2017. La
UPDATED: ‘ComEd Four’ found guilty on all counts in bribery trial tied to ex-Speaker Madigan
Jurors deliberated for 27 hours over five days.
‘You’re a street fighter,’ Madigan confidant counseled former speaker: wiretapped call
Jury hears 16 more recorded calls; Rep. says Madigan ruled ‘through fear and intimidation’.
State Sen. Emil Jones III pleads not guilty in bribery case
SPRINGFIELD – State Sen. Emil Jones III pleaded not guilty in federal court Friday to three felony counts stemming from an alleged bribery scheme involving a red light camera company. Jones, 44, is a Chicago Democrat who has served in the Senate since 2009. He is also the son of former Senate President Emil Jones
News Around Illinois – February 7, 2020
Judge Orders Municipalities To Refund Carle Foundation $6.2 Million URBANA – A circuit judge has ordered the city of Urbana and other local taxing bodies to refund $6.2 million in property tax payments to the Carle Foundation. In a ruling issued Wednesday, Judge Randall Rosenbaum also called on Carle and the taxing authorities to end
News Around Illinois – February 5, 2020
State Senator Trying To End FOID Cards QUAD CITIES – Once again Sen. Neil Anderson (R-Moline) is trying to eliminate Illinois’ firearm owners identification (FOID) card. He thinks the firearm owners identification card is un-necessary, and a costly burden for the Illinois State Police. Getting a FOID card requires a background check by the state