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.
Check back with ABC7 Chicago for live updates.
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.
Prosecutors rested their case Wednesday morning, after months of testimony.
The government formally rested just minutes after the jury was seated.
After this week, the jury will be off for the holidays, and return Jan. 2.
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.
A witness Thursday said the AT&T president at the time made former state Rep. Acevedo's contract.
Steve Selcke said Paul La Schiazza made the contract, and Selcke did not sign off on the payments.
McClain's defense attorneys called their 1st witness Wednesday morning.
The former lobbyist's attorneys called Steve Selcke, a former AT&T executive.
His testimony is believed to have derailed the government's case in a related trial just a few months ago.
He worked for AT&T IL for 25 years in various roles, in AT&T Illinois Legislative, External and Regulatory Affairs.
Selcke retired at the end of March 2019.
He's testified to how important it was to build relationships with members of the general assembly as well as to build trust with them.
Selcke said, "building relationships or trying to build relationships with members of the general assembly was an important part of their job."
It was helpful because then elected officials were more likely to meet with you and listen to your piece of legislation, he said.
Prosecutors rested their case Wednesday morning, after months of testimony.
The government formally rested just minutes after the jury was seated.
After this week, the jury will be off for the holidays, and return Jan. 2.
