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.
Anjanette Brown, former chief financial officer for the Resurrection Project, is testifying Thursday.
She was the CFO from June 2018 to November 2023.
Madigan's son, Andrew, was able to procure a lucrative insurance contract with the Pilsen-based nonprofit.
Prosecutors are trying to prove that contract is one more example of Madigan using his influence to enrich himself and those around him.
Resurrection Project co-founder and CEO Raul Raymundo took the stand Thursday.
Resurrection Project is a social impact, nonprofit organization.
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.
