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.
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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.
Former state Rep. Eddie Acevedo could testify next week.
During former AT&T Illinois President Paul La Schiazza's bribery trial earlier this year, the government worked to prove that Madigan had instructed McClain to ask for a job for Acevedo.
Jennifer Gavelek, senior vice president for Alliant Insurance Services, began her testimony Wednesday.
Alliant Insurance Services is a broker and consulting firm.
While at the insurance agency, Gavelek got involved with the Resurrection Project.
Andrew Madigan was one of her clients, but also employed by Alliant as a senior vice president.
He introduced her to the project.
He had a sales type of role to find potential customers for their firm.
In October 2019, Gavelek met with the CFO of Resurrection Project, Anjanette Brown, and signed them as a client in May of 2020.
Andrew Madigan received 20% of the commission of the total amount that Alliant received for their services.
During 2019-2021, a total of $216,625 was paid in commissions to Alliant.
Andrew Madigan received about $43,000.
Jessica Basham wrapped up her testimony Wednesday, discussing Madigan's recommendation list.
She said she prepared it on her own, and that she didn't notice that Madigan took any action against Gov. JB Pritzker, if he didn't act on the recommendations.
Basham said Madigan didn't make all decisions himself, but consulted his staff and heard from members of his caucus.
Madigan's defense attorney Daniel Collins asked Jessica Basham if the former speaker worked long hours.
"I don't think anyone works harder than Mike Madigan," she said.
Basham said she wasn't always familiar with all those who were recommended for positions, and they didn't all come from the speaker.
She said they weren't all acted upon. About half were approved, she said.
She also said labor was important to Madigan.
Basham told Collins current House Speaker Chris Welch also makes recommendations.
Collins showed a document that stated a few of the new speaker's recommendations, including Willie Mae Welch for Illinois Prisoner Review Board.
