Trial expected to last months
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The corruption trial for former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has begun.
Madigan had been indicted on federal racketeering and bribery charges as a part of what federal prosecutors call "the Madigan enterprise," where they say he allegedly committed crimes for his personal gain and that of his political allies.
The blockbuster trial is expected to take several months.
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The Madigan trial will extend into January, the judge said Monday.
The trial is running at least two weeks longer than expected, with an end date likely not coming before the middle of January.
Mika Baugher, Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch's executive assistant, took the stand Tuesday.
She previously worked for Madigan and as a receptionist for Tim Mapes.
Baugher was in charge of keeping Madigan's Springfield schedule.
Prosecutors highlighted several meetings with Victor Reyes, Mike McClain, JB Pritzker nad Lisa Madigan.
They made notations of where McClain was on various days.
AT&T Associate Director of Technology Jack Russell Randall is testifying next.
He has been with the company since 1997.
Former Chicago Alderman Danny Solis' cross-examination wrapped up Tuesday.
A defense attorney highlighted several calls between Mike McClain and Solis about a Chinatown project.
There was discussion about opposition by the community and some legislators.
The defense attorney asked Solis multiple times while he was on the stand if there was any talk during his calls with McClain about the developers steering legal work to Madigan.
Solis responded, "no."
Lawyers will have an opportunity to interview Jack Randall next.
He's an AT&T associate director of wireless systems.
He's been working there for 30 years.
Solis avoided any major pitfalls Monday, but the 75-year-old former alderman was also grilled over his use of masseuses who provided sexual favors, multiple inconsistencies on his tax returns and the illegal use of his own campaign fund, which Solis had admitted he did more than once as a way to disguise donations that came from other people.
Solis' cross-examination will continue Tuesday.
Attorneys are now picking apart some of the undercover recordings Solis made of his conversations and meetings with both Madigan and McClain.
