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.
Opening statements are now expected to begin next Thursday at the earliest in former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan's corruption trial.
Attorneys and the federal judge presiding over the case previously hoped opening statements could begin Tuesday, but jury selection has been slow-going.
Five more jurors have been selected for the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.
The jurors were selected Thursday afternoon, bringing the total to eight.
Eighteen total will be needed, including alternates.
Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan and his co-defendant did not appear to openly acknowledge each other in court Thursday.
Madigan and Mike McClain sat at separate defense tables.
Despite their documented close relationship that dates back to the 1970s, neither man appeared to acknowledge the other.
The men are charged in an expansive 117-page racketeering indictment.
Both Madigan and McClain have pleaded not guilty.
The trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan continues Thursday, with jury selection.
Fifteen jurors were dismissed before the start of proceedings around 9 a.m., but jury selection continues to be behind schedule.
The judge presiding over the case said, given the current pace, the jury would likely be selected by the end of next week, rather than this week, as planned.
But, questioning has gone from an average of 36 minutes to 21 minutes per juror.
