Mike Madigan trial updates: Prosecutors near resting case in ex-speaker trial

Former state Rep. Eddie Acevedo has dementia and may not testify.

Sentenced to six months in prison for tax evasion, Acevedo is a one-time member of Madigan's leadership team, who went on to collect $120,000 from ComEd, and another $22,500 from AT&T for what were essentially no-work consulting jobs prosecutors say he obtained thanks to Madigan's influence.

Jurors heard a phone call from Nov. 20, 2018, between John Bradley and Mike McClain.

"The other two, I don't hear much out of 'em unless Eddie Acevedo doesn't get his check within 12 hours of when he thinks he's supposed to get it," Bradley said.

"Yeah, he's something. Isn't he?" McClain said.

But, while Acevedo is being compelled to testify, in court Monday, his attorney said the former state representative has been diagnosed with dementia. Judge John Blakey said he will interview him personally before making a determination.

The judge's decision regarding Acevedo's testimony could determine whether the government is able to wrap up its case against Madigan this week or next at the Dirksen Federal Building.

Monday was an unusually short day in the corruption trial of Michael Madigan.

But, it did reveal the nickname Governor-elect JB Pritzker's staff had given the then-speaker by late 2018.

An email was sent to Pritzker on Dec. 4, 2018 that said, "Attached is a most recent Sphinx list of recommendations ahead of your meeting today."

Downstate Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski, who at the time was senior advisor to the incoming governor, sent the email.

On the stand Monday, Budzinski said she did not know why the nickname was given, but stated the governor's office gave "serious consideration" to the people recommended for jobs by the speaker. But, she insisted those on Madigan's list were far from a slam dunk.

"We did a lot of due diligence. We had a very thorough vetting process," Budzinski said.

Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski is expected to testify Monday.

There will be an early dismissal on Monday, so Judge Blakey and attorneys can attend the funeral of Circuit Judge Joel Flaum.

The jury heard recordings between McClain and a lobbyist Thursday.

The focus was the back door deals regarding a Chinatown project.

In 2017-2018, the Chinatown parcel near Cermak Road and Wentworth Avenue was state-owned, and under the control of the Illinois Department of Transportation.

The plan was to transfer the land to the city of Chicago, who could then deed it to the developer.

The governor at the time was Bruce Rauner.

However, there were roadblocks by State Sen. Marty Sandoval and Tony Muñoz, which McClain and Nancy Kimme were trying to maneuver around.

In one of the recordings, Kimme told McClain that they were "in the middle of a range war."

Kimme told prosecutors, "That they were all shootin' at each other for different reasons."