USA v. Michael Madigan
Michael J. Madigan was the longest-serving state House speaker in the nation. He was convicted of bribery, bribery conspiracy and wire fraud in 2025.
The request from Madigan’s lawyers is no surprise. They warned Judge John Blakey it’d be coming after Blakey handed down a harsh sentence June 13.
Michael Madigan’s sentencing hearing will cap the most aggressive, expansive corruption investigation in Chicago since the days of Rod Blagojevich. But many wonder: Would President Donald Trump grant clemency?
Madigan wielded the speaker’s gavel in Springfield for 36 years. Now he’s bracing to learn his fate June 13, when he’s due to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge John Blakey. The hearing comes four months after a jury convicted Madigan in an historic verdict.
‘This decision is independent from any other issue or briefing in this matter,’ a prosecutor told the judge. Madigan’s sentencing is set for June 13.
Madigan was the longest-serving state House leader in the United States. A jury found him guilty of conspiring to be illegally influenced by ComEd while it had pending legislation in Springfield.
Attorney Michael Del Galdo, whose law firm represents Cicero and Melrose Park, recently held political fundraisers for the municipal leaders of those western suburbs.
The former Illinois House speaker’s sentencing is set for almost one year after the sentencing of former Ald. Edward M. Burke for a racketeering conviction that involved the same broader FBI investigation.
It’s unclear what prompted the departure of Assistant U.S. Attorney Amarjeet Bhachu. The news comes in the early days of President Donald Trump’s new administration, but also less than three weeks after a jury found Madigan guilty of a bribery conspiracy and other crimes.
Defense attorneys are pointing to a Feb. 10 executive order from President Donald Trump pausing enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. The president’s order says the law’s use has been “stretched beyond proper bounds and abused in a manner that harms the interests of the United States.”
El veredicto introdujo un juicio impredecible de cuatro meses que les dio a los jurados una mirada directa y sin censura a la práctica de la política tras bambalinas en Chicago e Illinois en la década anterior.
“I went to the same high school as he did and I’ve always heard of him to be a good person,” jury foreman Timothy Nessner told the Sun-Times. “But I also know that good people sometimes break the law.”
Once a political giant, Madigan now a convicted felon and likely prison inmate — but not a racketeer
The verdict capped an unpredictable four-month trial that gave jurors an up-front and uncensored look at the practice of behind-the-scenes politics in Chicago and Illinois in the previous decade.
Federal prosecutors have made it clear they are listening to phone calls. But have the threats of federal investigations and wiretapped conversations actually deterred criminal behavior in Illinois politics? Some aren’t convinced.
Michael Madigan’s jury heard from more than 60 witnesses during 11 weeks of testimony. Now, they’ve deliberated for just shy of 64 hours over another 10 days. Whether their reference Tuesday to having “reached our limit” turns out to be the first sign of frustration remains to be seen.
Madigan and his longtime ally, Michael McClain, are on trial for a racketeering conspiracy. Jurors are expected to resume deliberations Monday morning.
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is accused of leading a criminal enterprise over nearly a decade, designed to enhance his political power and financial well-being. Michael McClain, a former lawmaker and longtime lobbyist for ComEd, is also on trial and accused of acting as Madigan’s agent.
The Sun-Times is providing free text updates as attorneys wrap up closing arguments in the corruption trial of the former Illinois House Speaker.
Defense attorney Patrick Cotter made the comment in the midst of his nearly five-hour closing argument Tuesday in the corruption trial of Michael Madigan and Michael McClain. Jurors are expected to begin deliberating Wednesday.
Michael Madigan’s attorney concluded his seven-and-a-half-hour closing argument Monday, meaning Madigan’s trial is nearing its end. Jurors are still expected to hear arguments from an attorney for Madigan’s co-defendant, Michael McClain, as well as a prosecutor’s rebuttal argument before deliberating.
It’s the final presentation from Madigan’s attorneys before jurors begin to deliberate the sweeping racketeering conspiracy case against him. Judge John Blakey assured the jury those deliberations will begin “next week” as they headed home for the weekend.