A former Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives was reportedly indicted for a long history of political corruption earlier this month.
According to a March 2 news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois, Michael J. Madigan, 79, of Chicago, has been indicted for charges of racketeering and bribery. Madigan, the longest-serving state House speaker in U.S. history, allegedly used his position to "corruptly solicit and receive personal financial rewards for himself and his associates."
“Our elected officials swear an oath to carry out the duties of their office,” Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Emmerson Buie said in the release. "When they dishonor that oath, it erodes the trust we have in our officials to do the right thing for our communities, and the FBI and its partners stand ready to stamp out corruption at any level of government."
Madigan was reportedly joined in his unlawful decade-long enterprise by his "close friend" and co-defendant Michael F. McClain, of Quincy, Ill., in his pursuit of stronger political grip and financial gain.
Illinois businesses — including Commonwealth Edison, a public utility — allegedly made monetary payments to Madigan's allies in exchange for their loyalty to the former Speaker who at times performed "little or no legitimate work" for the businesses in return, according to the Department of Justice.
Madigan is charged with individual counts of racketeering conspiracy, bribery, wire fraud and attempted extortion. Arraignment for the politician has not been scheduled.
