A former Illinois House Speaker has been found guilty on 10 of 23 corruption counts.  Michael Madigan, former House speaker was found guilty on Wednesday after facing charges of racketeering, bribery, extortion, and wire fraud.  Of the 23 charges, Madigan was acquitted on seven charges and the jury was deadlocked on six more—including an overarching racketeering charge.  

The jury also deadlocked on the same charges concerning Madigan’s co-defendant Mike Mclain, a longtime Springfield lobbyist. Prosecutors say they are unsure at this time whether or not they will retry Madigan and McClain on the deadlocked charges.  The judge has declared a mistrial on those six counts. 

Madigan, one of the most powerful politicians in Illinois history, was accused of orchestrating a scheme involving the utility company Commonwealth Edison (ComEd). Prosecutors said ComEd funneled money to Madigan’s allies for little to no work in exchange for favorable legislation. Additionally, he was convicted of unlawfully accepting legal work steered to his private law firm in return for political favors, including influencing the governor’s appointment of a Chicago alderman to a state board position.

The trial lasted four months and took place four years after Madigan resigned from the seat he’d held for five decades and three years after he was charged. 

Madigan now faces significant prison time. Each wire fraud charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years, while bribery convictions are punishable by up to 10 years. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.

Photo courtesy: (Capitol News Illinois--photo by Andrew Adams)