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Cross-examination tears into ex-Chicago Ald. Solis' credibility in former Speaker Mike Madigan trial

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Ex-Chicago alderman's credibility questioned in Madigan trial

Cross-examination has begun for ex-Chicago Alderman Danny Solis in former Illinois Speaker Michael Madigan's federal corruption trial.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Cross-examination of one of the key prosecution witnesses in the trial of former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse began Monday.

Former alderman-turned-government-mole, Danny Solis, returned to the witness stand Monday morning, as attorneys for Madigan and co-defendant Michael McClain look to discredit his testimony.

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When asked if he committed many crimes as an alderman and chair of the Zoning Committee, he said "yes."

Madigan defense attorney Dan Collins said Solis solicited money from developers in exchange for taking official action.

"What you did, those were bribes, correct?" Collins said.

"Yes, that's the way they were defined," Solis said.

Solis admitted to making tens of thousands of recordings during his cooperation with the government over a two-and-a-half year period.

"When I was undercover I was basically lying all the time," he said.

Mike Madigan trial live updates: Ex-Ald. Solis testifying in former Illinois House speaker trial

And while those recordings have already led to the conviction of former Alderman Ed Burke late last year, this is the first time Solis has testified for the government in court. A testimony, which if given truthfully, could see him avoid prison time altogether.

Answering in a mild voice, but sounding tired at times, Solis appeared well-coached.

He answered most questions with "yes" or "correct." He often said "I don't remember" or asked for clarification.

"I think I'm getting old. I have problems with my short-term memory. And I have problems with people's names," he said.

Speaking to his deferred prosecution agreement, signed in December of 2018, Solis admitted he could have been charged with multiple counts of bribery rather than just the one he pleaded guilty to. Those charges could have amounted to a total of 50 years in prison.

Solis avoided any major pitfalls Monday, but the 75-year-old former alderman was also grilled over his use of masseuses who provided sexual favors, multiple inconsistencies on his tax returns and the illegal use of his own campaign fund, which Solis had admitted he did more than once as a way to disguise donations that came from other people.

Solis' cross-examination will continue Tuesday.

Attorneys are now picking apart some of the undercover recordings Solis made of his conversations and meetings with both Madigan and McClain.

Prosecutors wrapped up their questioning of Solis Wednesday.

Madigan and McClain face bribery and racketeering charges.