Chicago (AP) A unique look into the inner workings of the longest-serving congressional leader in American history has been made possible by hours of covertly recorded phone conversations and movies.
Testimony has focused on Michael Madigan’s several alleged schemes, ranging from bribes involving the state’s major power business to Chinatown developments that benefited his private tax firm, as the corruption trial of the former Illinois House Speaker continues into its third month.
A congresswoman, former state lawmakers, and the government’s star witness—a former Chicago alderman who surreptitiously wore a wire—have all testified before jurors.
A closer look at the current trial is provided below:
The fees
The 23-count indictment against Madigan, who served as speaker for more than thirty years, includes charges of wire fraud, bribery, and racketeering.
According to the prosecution, he took advantage of his unparalleled power as the speaker of the Illinois House and the leader of the state’s Democratic Party for his own benefit and to obtain even more authority. He is a tax lawyer who is also charged with profiting from private work that was unlawfully directed to his practice.
The trial has revealed Madigan’s working methods, which blurred the boundaries between his personal and governmental responsibilities.
For example, whether for legal or political purposes, meetings frequently took place at his downtown law office. Business associates were frequently present, as were elected officials or his political advisors. He was even referred to as the speaker in tax-related sessions, according to the tapes.
A City Council member connected Madigan to hotel developers for a Chinatown project in a 2014 meeting that was covertly recorded by a businessman who was also acting undercover. Madigan made a business pitch for his company.
Here, we’re not looking for a swift kill. Madigan stated, “We’re interested in a long-term relationship.” We don’t spare anyone when it comes to the caliber of counsel you receive from this legal practice.
A businessman was then informed by the alderman that he would receive all the necessary supplies for the hotel if he collaborated with the speaker.
A star witness
The testimony of former Chicago Alderman Danny Solis has been one of the trial’s most anticipated features. Solis oversaw the influential zoning committee while serving on the council for 23 years.
As Madigan sought business for his tax firm, Solis met with Madigan over projects in the alderman s ward, which then included Chinatown and the trendy West Loop neighborhood near downtown.
But nobody, not even his family, knew Solis was working for federal agents, recording meetings and phone calls.
It was critical that the undercover work I was doing remain secret, Solis, 75, testified in court.
He told jurors that federal agents approached him in June 2016 and he agreed to cooperate to avoid prison for admitted wrongdoing including bribery.
However, Solis could be a problematic witness.
He faced massive financial issues, marital problems after an affair and ethical lapses, including accepting favors from a developer who arranged for Solis to get Viagra and massages that turned sexual. He also testified he acted on requests from federal agents, including proposing that Madigan appoint him to a board after he left office.
Defense attorneys called Solis unreliable and blasted his financial wrongdoing, including misspending campaign funds for a trip to Puerto Rico, his son s school tuition and a car.
As an alderman and as chair of the zoning committee, you committed many crimes, is that correct? Madigan attorney Daniel Collins asked Solis during cross examination.
Yes, Solis said.
Other witnesses have includedU.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinksi, who testified about Madigan s influence in 2018 while she worked as an advisor for Gov. JB Pritzker.
The recordings
Some of the Solis videos are shaky and it s unclear how he recorded them. There s extended footage of ceilings and office walls. Many calls are short.
But they show how Madigan, who famously didn t have a cellphone or email address, operated.
In January 2018, Madigan called up Solis and asked about a proposed West Loop apartment building.
Is that going to go ahead? You know why I m interested, Madigan says.
Solis asks if Madigan knew the developers.
No, but I d like to, he says.
Solis toldjurorsthat Madigan s influence would be helpful to him, so he provided introductions.
I wanted to curry political favor with Mr. Madigan, Solis told jurors.
The schemes
A sweeping investigation of public corruption in Illinois has already producedconvictionsof otherelected officialsandMadigan s former chief of staff.
Among other schemes, Madigan is accused of using his influence to pass legislation favorable to electric utility ComEd. In return, ComEd allegedly offered Madigan loyalists kickbacks, contracts and jobs where they did little or no work.
When Madigan saw an opportunity to enrich himself, he took it, Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Streicker told jurors.
Defense attorneys have painted Madigan as a devoted public servant, calling him incorruptible.
Madigan, who has has adamantly denied wrongdoing in the past, hasn t spoken publicly during the trial. He spends the proceedings watching witnesses and jurors intently, often taking notes. Family members including his daughter,former Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, have attended court.
Also standing trial with Madigan is longtime confidant Michael McClain, 76, who already has been found guilty in a separate, related case. Last year, federal jurors convicted McClain and three othersof the bribery conspiracyinvolving ComEd.
The trial is expected to extend into mid-January.
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