Jury selection has begun for one of the biggest corruption cases in American history.
We’re about to see the trial of the former speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives. And it’s going to be explosive.
At a glance:
- Jury selection has begun in the high-profile trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, who faces corruption and bribery charges.
- The process is slow, with only three jurors chosen so far, including an educator, an Amazon worker, and an insurance underwriter.
- Madigan is accused of leading a criminal enterprise that used his political power to enrich himself and his allies, with links to utility company ComEd.
Jury selection is underway in the corruption trial of Michael Madigan, the former Illinois House Speaker once regarded as one of the most powerful politicians in the state’s history. The trial comes after federal prosecutors charged the 82-year-old with leading a decade-long racketeering and bribery scheme involving ComEd, Illinois’ largest utility company. Madigan, who resigned in 2021, has pleaded not guilty to the 23-count indictment, which includes charges of racketeering conspiracy, wire fraud, and extortion.
The first day of jury selection on Wednesday saw three jurors selected, a process that moved slowly as attorneys spent significant time questioning each potential candidate. The chosen jurors include a former kindergarten teacher, an Amazon warehouse worker, and an insurance underwriter, all of whom will now decide the fate of Madigan and his co-defendant, Michael McClain, a longtime friend and lobbyist.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXUmM5DUB5w
Madigan and McClain have been accused of using Madigan’s influence over Illinois politics to pass favorable legislation for ComEd in exchange for kickbacks, jobs, and contracts for their allies. The case has drawn significant attention, with more than 1,000 people summoned for potential jury duty. Finding impartial jurors is expected to be a challenge given Madigan’s high-profile reputation.
During the selection process, potential jurors were asked about their familiarity with Madigan and their views on lobbyists and politicians in Chicago. One juror, identified only as No. 3, acknowledged knowing about Madigan’s reputation but noted it could be interpreted in both positive and negative ways. He, along with another potential juror, was excused from the panel.
https://x.com/jeffreycortese/status/1844381650693784041
Madigan, for his part, quietly observed the proceedings, taking notes as potential jurors were questioned. He maintains his innocence, stating in 2022 that he was “never involved in any criminal activity.” McClain, who has also denied wrongdoing, is facing his second corruption trial after being convicted in a related case involving ComEd officials.
The trial is expected to last several months, with 12 jurors and six alternates to be selected before opening statements, likely next week. With testimony anticipated to include wiretapped conversations and extensive evidence from the federal investigation, the trial could become one of the most significant political corruption cases in Illinois in recent history.
