Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan testifies in his corruption trial, denying allegations of trading political favors for personal gain.
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan made a surprise and risky decision to testify Wednesday. The famously tight-lipped man with the media may be attempting to counter his own words from a mountain of prosecution recordings. Defense attorney Dan Collins asked him bluntly if he ever traded his public office for private gain or offered official action for something in exchange. Madigan denied both.
This was the first time since the trial began that the jury had heard from Madigan aside from a slew of secret recordings that prosecutors say point to a pattern of criminality, including allegations the former Illinois House speaker traded favorable legislation for no-work jobs and contracts for his allies with ComEd and AT&T. The now 82-year-old Southwest Side Democrat, who for decades was feared and revered in Illinois politics, described a difficult upbringing with an alcoholic father in an attempt to humanize him. 'There's going to be a long cross examination, and during that cross examination, the government is going to replay their very best evidence,' former federal prosecutor Chris Hotaling said. Madigan's testimony resumes Wednesday morning. The jury was told it could get the case by the end of the month
MICHAEL MADIGAN ILLINOIS CORRUPTION TRIAL COMED POLITICS
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan takes the stand in his corruption trialMadigan and his co-defendant – longtime confidant Michael McClain – are on trial on racketeering and bribery charges.
Read more »
Former Illinois House Speaker Madigan Takes the Stand in Corruption TrialMichael Madigan, once considered the most powerful politician in Illinois, testified in his own defense against charges of racketeering and bribery. The trial, lasting three months, has unveiled allegations of numerous schemes involving both his public and private roles. Madigan, known for his privacy, recounted personal stories and denied any wrongdoing, stating that he always tried to help people and never traded public office for private gain.
Read more »
Former state Rep. Eddie Acevedo takes stand in ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan trialThe government on Monday called to the stand a former legislator, who has already served prison time himself.
Read more »
Israel's Netanyahu takes the stand in long-running corruption trialIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has taken to the stand on Tuesday in his long-running trial for alleged corruption, setting off what’s expected to be a weekslong spectacle that will draw unwelcome attention to his legal woes as he faces an in...
Read more »
In surprising move, former longtime Illinois House speaker takes stand at his own corruption trialIn surprising move, former longtime Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has taken the stand at his own corruption trial.
Read more »
Netanyahu Brands Corruption Charges 'Absurd' as He Takes the StandAllegations of fraud and bribery have trickled through the Israeli judiciary since 2020.
Read more »