Jan 15, 2025, 7:06 PM GMT
Will Madigan take stand?
It's been 8 and a half weeks since the trial started.
Former federal prosecutor Chris Hotaling joined ABC7 to talk about what to expect from the defense and if Madigan will take the stand.
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Mike Madigan trial updates: Government expected to rest Wednesday in ex-speaker trial
Trial expected to last months
Last updated: Wednesday, December 18, 2024 4:50PM GMT
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
- Jan 15, 2025, 7:06 PM GMT
- Dec 18, 2024, 4:50 PM GMT
Here's how the news is developing.
Jan 15, 2025, 7:06 PM
Government all but rests Tuesday, expected to wrap up Wednesday
The government is expected to formally rest Wednesday.
There have been 38 days of testimony over eight and a half weeks.
But, the trial is far from over.
The spotlight now turns to the defense teams of Michael Madigan and his co-defendant, Mike McClain.
Once the government formally rests, McClain's defense team is to be first up.
It's unclear how much of a defense either man will present, with neither Madigan nor McClain expected to take the stand in their own defense.
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.
Jan 15, 2025, 7:06 PM GMT
Witnesses impeach former state Rep. Eddie Acevedo testimony
Two witnesses sought to impeach former state Rep. Eddie Acevedo's testimony Tuesday.
"I never asked anybody for a no-show job," said Acevedo, who previously stated he asked Madigan for help getting business after leaving the General Assembly.
Acevedo blamed his memory issues on a 2022 dementia diagnosis. But remembered enough to insist he gave oral reports to AT&T contract lobbyist Michael Lieteau. Those statements were promptly contradicted by Lieteau himself, who on the stand said Acevedo had a poor reputation in Springfield.
"I think he occasionally drank too much. There were occasions when he fell off a bar stool or insulted people," Lieteau said.
Acevedo's testimony was further impeached by FBI agent Kyle Scherrer, who was present during an interview with Acevedo in 2019.
Scherrer said Acevedo told prosecutors he never did, nor was assigned any work by either AT&T or ComEd during his employment with them.
Jan 15, 2025, 7:06 PM GMT
Government all but rests Tuesday, expected to wrap up Wednesday
The government is expected to formally rest Wednesday.
There have been 38 days of testimony over eight and a half weeks.
But, the trial is far from over.
The spotlight now turns to the defense teams of Michael Madigan and his co-defendant, Mike McClain.
Once the government formally rests, McClain's defense team is to be first up.
It's unclear how much of a defense either man will present, with neither Madigan nor McClain expected to take the stand in their own defense.
Jan 15, 2025, 7:06 PM GMT
Former state Rep. Acevedo resumes testimony
The government was expected to rest its case Tuesday.
Former state Rep. Eddie Acevedo took the stand again Tuesday.
He was asked about his employment with AT&T, and whether he had done work in exchange for a more than $22,000 contract given to him in 2017.
Acevedo, who says he has dementia, replied that he "did not remember."
After the government rests its case, Madigan's defense team will have its turn.
