Chicago Corruption Trials
A series of high-profile federal trials are challenging Chicago-style politics.
Michael J. Madigan was the longest-serving state House speaker in the nation. In 2022, he was charged with leading a criminal enterprise designed to enhance his political power and generate income for his allies and associates. He was found guilty of a bribery conspiracy, bribery and wire fraud.
Paul La Schiazza once served as the president of AT&T Illinois. In 2022, he was accused of conspiring to bribe former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan to benefit the utility. He has pleaded not guilty.
Edward M. Burke was the longest-serving member of Chicago’s City Council. But in 2019, a grand jury accused him of using his Council seat to steer business to his private law firm. He was found guilty of racketeering, bribery and attempted extortion.
Timothy Mapes served for decades as the chief of staff to then-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. He was accused of perjury and attempted obstruction of justice for a bid to block the feds’ Madigan investigation. A jury found him guilty on both counts and agreed that he lied on every occasion identified by prosecutors.
Businessman James Weiss, son-in-law of former Cook County Assessor Joseph Berrios, was accused of paying bribes to state lawmakers to advance legislation. Weiss was found guilty of wire and mail fraud, bribery, and lying to the FBI.
Four power players were accused of trying to bribe former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan to benefit ComEd. The four were found guilty.
Annazette Collins was a former state lawmaker accused of cheating on her taxes in an indictment related to the investigation of former House Speaker Michael Madigan. A jury found her guilty of filing false tax returns for certain years and failing to file in others.
Alex Acevedo, a son of former state Rep. Eddie Acevedo, went to trial on tax charges related to the investigation of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Alex Acevedo was found guilty.
