Mike Madigan trial live updates: Government rests, defense builds case in ex-speaker trial

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.

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.

Former federal prosecutor Chris Hotaling joined ABC7 to talk about the Madigan trial.

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.