Mike Madigan trial updates: Ex-House speaker found guilty on 10 counts in partial verdict

Gov. JB Pritzker said in a statement, "Trust in public officials is something that's hard earned. Public service ought to be a high calling for honest people with integrity. And those who violate the public's trust must be held accountable if confidence in the system is to be restored.

"The Madigan verdict by a jury of everyday Illinoisans is an important message to anyone in government - or those thinking about public service - that if you choose corruption you will be found out, and you will be punished.

"This week has been a vital reminder that we must maintain our vigilance in cleaning up government and always put the people we serve first."

Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch said in a statement, ""I have always believed that a court of law was the place for this to all be sorted out. Today's outcome leaves me with great appreciation and respect for our legal system. Investigators, prosecutors, and a jury of Illinoisans did their job.

"House Democrats have been focused on delivering for working people, rebuilding Illinois' fiscal house, and prioritizing our shared values to combat the divisive tactics coming from Washington-and only through new leadership and a new vision of how the People's House can operate would that work be possible. House Democrats will continue to do our job and deliver for the people."

FBI and US Attorney's Office officials spoke a fter the Madigan verdict Wednesday.

Acting United States Attorney Morris Pascual, FBI Special Agent Douglas DePodesta and IRS Acting Special Agent Ramsey Covington held a joint press conference outside the courtroom.

Pascual said, "this is the historic conviction which ranks high in the annals of criminal cases tried in this courtroom."

"Bribery, whether it's the old-fashioned cash stuffed in an envelope, or the more refined version practiced by Madigan is still illegal, it's still corrupt, and it's still against the law," he added.

"The FBI, our federal and state and local law enforcement partners, along with our prosecutors, are committed to rooting out injustice, fraud and bribery anywhere in the system," DePodesta said.

Covington said, "Madigan used his position of power to manipulate government processes for personal and financial gain."

"This conviction sends a clear message, and no one is above the law," the IRS acting agent said.

McClain's attorneys spoke after a partial verdict Wednesday.

McClain defense attorney Patrick Cotter spoke after the jury said they were deadlocked when it came to the co-defendants charges.

"We are very glad to be walking out of this building the way Mike walked into it. He was an innocent man when he walked in."

"Mike never intended to break the law, and somebody or somebody's on that jury got it."