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.
The jury learned about a "magic list" of Madigan supporters.
Mike McClain drafted a "magic list" of people who had helped Madigan.
Will Cousineau admitted he saw it with a letterhead of the Talbot Hotel in Chicago. It was handwritten.
Thursday began in former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan's federal corruption trial with a motion to exclude some evidence.
Defense attorneys filed a motion to exclude any references to the creation of documents and phone calls about tax issues with Kevin Quinn.
There are about seven tax issue calls between Mike McClain and Will Cousineau. In one of those phone calls, McClain asks the speaker if he should let Quinn's brother know about the financial arrangements. Kevin is Ald. Marty Quinn's brother.
But, the government maintains this is critical to establish the arrangements of payments to Quinn.
They argue that it points to the concealment of documents in the case.
The government argues that this is about compensating a political ally, and trying to conceal the payments that are not for legitimate work.
The judge denied the motion, and also noted that the motion was not timely.
The jury learned about a "magic list" of Madigan supporters.
Mike McClain drafted a "magic list" of people who had helped Madigan.
Will Cousineau admitted he saw it with a letterhead of the Talbot Hotel in Chicago. It was handwritten.
The jury heard a number of calls between Mike McClain and Will Cousineau Thursday.
Many of the calls between McClain and Cousineau were regarding finding a job for Kevin Quinn at Cornerstone (Cousineau's company), after his termination over sexual harassment allegations.
Cousineau was hesitant.
They discussed a plan to create a contract for Quinn, and not just a piece of paper to protect them from the IRS.
There was also a conversation about finding Eddie Acevedo work.
They also spoke about protecting Madigan, and ensuring he keep his speakership role.
McClain was heard in one call saying, "We cannot lose our friend (Madigan) and give Illinois to these guys (former Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner)."
Cousineau left the speaker's office in 2018, and said there were various sexual harassment allegations by Democrat officials and employees at that time, which was a concern for Madigan.
Cousineau said meetings were held on how to handle the allegations.
In one call, Cousineau was heard telling McClain they needed to get a public relations firm to handle the allegations.
There was also a call about AT&T.
Cousineau lobbied for CenturyLink, a telecommunications company. At the time, they wanted to get a change in law. So, he met with McClain.
He asked if AT&T had an issue with the legislation.
In 2017, the legislation was advanced by AT&T. It became law later in 2017.
McClain and Cousineau were also heard on a call speaking on how Rep. Kelly Cassidy needed to be careful.
McClain tells Cousineau,"Madigan is doing a slow burn on her. She ought to be very careful. She may find herself way over in outer hemisphere if she doesn't watch it."
Just after 9:30 a.m., longtime Madigan aide Will Cousineau returned to the stand for a third day.
Cousineau served a dual role as both Madigan's issues director and political director of the Democratic Party of Illinois.
In exchange for his testimony, the government served Cousineau with a letter of immunity, which essentially says he cannot be charged if he testifies truthfully.
During his testimony, Cousineau has given an inside look into how the speaker's office operated under Madigan, and the people who were part of his inner circle.
Thursday began in former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan's federal corruption trial with a motion to exclude some evidence.
Defense attorneys filed a motion to exclude any references to the creation of documents and phone calls about tax issues with Kevin Quinn.
There are about seven tax issue calls between Mike McClain and Will Cousineau. In one of those phone calls, McClain asks the speaker if he should let Quinn's brother know about the financial arrangements. Kevin is Ald. Marty Quinn's brother.
But, the government maintains this is critical to establish the arrangements of payments to Quinn.
They argue that it points to the concealment of documents in the case.
The government argues that this is about compensating a political ally, and trying to conceal the payments that are not for legitimate work.
The judge denied the motion, and also noted that the motion was not timely.
