Mike Madigan trial updates: Defense begins closing arguments in federal corruption trial

Madigan's defense is expected to consist of three witnesses, including his longtime 13th Ward assistant and a successful novelist, who at one time was the former speaker's top counsel. But, it was the real estate developer, who, in some ways, kicked off this whole investigation, who took the stand first.

It was July 18, 2017, when Madigan first met real estate developer Andy Cretal at his tax law firm office in the Loop. That meeting was, without either man's knowledge, being recorded by 22nd Ward Alderman-turned-government-mole Danny Solis.

At the time, Cretal was looking to build what are now the Union West apartments in the West Loop, Solis' ward. But, it wasn't until weeks earlier, when Madigan called Solis out of the blue asking for an introduction, that the FBI's ears perked up.

The phone call went as follows:

Solis: "Do you know the developer?"
Madigan: "Those people?"
Solis: "Do you know the, uh, people there?"
Madigan: "No, but I'd like to."

Madigan, along with his co-defendant, Mike McClain, are accused of running a criminal enterprise that sought to use his position in Springfield to enrich the speaker and his cronies, partly through illegally steering business to his law firm.

Another video played in court showed an exchange between Solis and Madigan.

Solis: "Did you want to meet?"
Madigan: "Over the phone, you made a comment that there, that there was a quid pro quo."
Solis: "Oh, I'm sorry, yeah."
Madigan: "Yeah."
Solis: "OK."
Madigan: "You shouldn't be talking like that. You're just recommending our law firm."

And yet, as McClain's defense rested Thursday morning, Madigan's attorneys called Andy Cretal to the stand, in the hopes his testimony will help them combat those allegations.

"Did you ever feel threatened, fearful or intimidated into hiring that law firm?" attorney Dan Collins asked.

"I did not," Cretal said.

And yet, during cross-examination, prosecutors asked Cretal if he was concerned that the development would not be authorized if they didn't hire Madigan's law firm.

"That was a concern of mine, yes," he said.

David Ellis, Madigan's former counsel, has taken the stand.

He's currently an Illinois appellate court judge, and also writes novels.

Former Madigan assistant April Burgos took the stand Thursday.

She was Madigan's former administrative assistant and longtime aide in the 13th Ward.

She lives in Mt. Greenwood, but lived prior in the 13th Ward.

She attended Mother McAuley high school.

Burgos worked for Madigan for over 20 years, and said he "is one of the most generous people I have worked with in my life."

She handled the emails and helped seniors with city services.

Burgos said she would help 13th Ward constituents even if they came into the office to "talk bad" about Madigan.

"That was instilled in me there," she said.

Co-defendant Mike McClain's attorneys rested their case Thursday.

Madigan's attorney called Andrew Cretal to the witness stand next.

He said he is currently doing real estate development.

Cretal was the Union West developer recorded by former Ald. Danny Solis.