Mike Madigan trial live updates: Ed Moody takes stand in ex-Illinois speaker trial

Trial expected to last months

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Last updated: Thursday, November 21, 2024 7:10PM GMT
Former Cook County commissioner takes stand in Madigan trial

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.

Check back with ABC7 Chicago for live updates.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
Michelle Gallardo Image
Dec 18, 2024, 4:50 PM

Trial to extend into January, judge says

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.

Dec 19, 2024, 6:22 PM GMT

FBI Agent Scherrer returns to the stand

FBI Agent Scherrer returned to the stand on Tuesday.

He was the first witness to take the stand to finish Monday's testimony.

Jury learned about some of the meetings and dinners with Madigan which were found on McClain's phone.

A list of contacts in McClain's cellphone was also shown, including Edward Acevedo, Jay Doherty, Ed Moody, Frank Olivo, John Hooker, Juan Ochoa, Michael Madigan, Ray Nice, Victor Reyes and Mike Zalewski.

Scherrer said he searched other electronic devices in Ed Moody's computer and thumb drive. Adding that he was looking for any communication or work product between Ed Moody and ComEd.

When asked If he found any work being done by Ray Nice, Ed Moody, Frank Olivo or Mike Zalewski for either ComEd or Jay Doherty, the agent said "no."

Dec 19, 2024, 6:22 PM GMT

Jury seated in Madigan trial

Judge John Robert Blakey read a note from a juror asking about their schedule over the holidays.

The judge and the attorneys agreed to give the jury December 31st off.

The jury was seated at about 9:30 a.m.

Dec 18, 2024, 4:50 PM GMT

Court was back in session on Tuesday at about 8:46 a.m.

Judge Blakey was on the bench. However, the jury had not been sent in.

Attorneys discussed explaining to the jury the legality behind campaign fundraising in connection with Former Alderman Daniel Solis' testimony.

Solis is expected to take the stand by Thursday.

Michelle Gallardo Image
Dec 18, 2024, 4:50 PM GMT

Trial to extend into January, judge says

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.