Defense cross-examines star witness in former IL House Speaker Mike Madigan trial

ByMichelle Gallardo

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Star witness back on stand for 5th day in Madigan trial

The defense continues to cross-examine a star witness on Wednesday in Michael Madigan's federal corruption trial.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A former ComEd executive -- turned government informant -- was back on the stand Wednesday for his fifth day in the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan at the Dirksen Federal Building.

Fidel Marquez has been pressed by the defense.

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Mike McClain's team wrapped up their cross-examination of Marquez Wednesday, before Madigan's team began.

The defense has been trying to challenge Marquez's credibility as a witness.

Mike Madigan trial live updates: Defense cross-examines star witness in former IL speaker trial

They said he agreed to wear a wire for the FBI in January 2019 to get himself out of trouble, hid money from his wife during divorce proceedings and lied on a gun purchase form in Arizona this past month, saying he hadn't been convicted of a felony.

Marquez's cooperation was given in exchange for an agreement which saw ComEd's former chief lobbyist plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to bribe Madigan. Marquez is facing a five-year maximum sentence. The government has offered him a no-jail sentence in exchange for his truthful testimony.

Marquez has explained what appeared to be a stream of jobs flowing from ComEd to Madigan's allies, whether they were qualified or not.

Prosecutors say ComEd lobbyist and Madigan co-defendant McClain, was the go-between.

Defense attorneys spent Tuesday trying to show the conversations on tape were normal lobbying.

McClain's attorney Patrick Cotter became more and more agitated Wednesday morning, as he went after Marquez.

"Do you think you can plead guilty to something and not be convicted?" Cotter asked. "Did the word felony resonate with you on March 8, 2024? That part of the court proceeding: Did you remember the five years?"

"I'm not a lawyer. I didn't think," Marquez stuttered, as he struggled to explain why he had lied.

"You were held in contempt of court for not transferring certain property in a divorce proceeding weren't you?" Madigan's attorney Tom Breen asked.

Marquez said, "yes."

"You were threatened with jail time if you did not transfer certain stocks or assets, were you not?" Breen asked.

Marquez said "yes" again.

"Truth is in the eye of the beholder is it not?" Breen asked. "Whose eye is it in that you are telling the truth?"

"I believe it would be the government," Marquez said.

Marquez admitted to meeting with the government attorneys around 20 times over the last three months. Something defense attorneys have tried to equate with training.

Marquez isn't the only person who wore a wire for the government as investigators tried to build their case against Madigan.

Former Alderman Daniel Solis also did.

Solis is expected to testify soon, a prosecutor said Wednesday.

The assistant U.S. attorney said Solis is expected next week.

Madigan and McClain face bribery and racketeering charges.

The trial is expected to last into December.