trial

Former chief of staff discusses ex-Speaker Mike Madigan recommendation list in trial

ByABC7 Chicago Digital Team

Wednesday, December 4, 2024 11:35PM

Former chief of staff takes stand in Madigan trial

Former Chief of Staff Jessica Basham was on the stand in ex-Illinois Speaker Michael Madigan's federal corruption trial Wednesday.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Michael Madigan's former chief of staff was on the stand Wednesday in the former Illinois House speaker's federal corruption trial at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse.

Jessica Basham worked for the speaker from January 2003 - August 2021.

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As an analyst for the research and appropriations unit, Basham prepared memos and other documents detailing personnel recommendations, appointments to boards and commissions to Gov. JB Pritzker's administrations and others.

In early 2019, she prepared these memos of personnel recommendations at the direction of the speaker. It was like a tracking list of individuals who had been recommended for Pritzker.

It also included a list of names "for permanent placement," given to her by the speaker.

The speaker's staff would email the governor's office to get status updates regarding the personnel recommendations.

By July 2019, the list of recommendations had 85 people on it, prosecutors said.

She said she prepared it on her own, and that she didn't notice that Madigan took any action against Pritzker, if he didn't act on the recommendations.

Basham said Madigan didn't make all decisions himself, but consulted his staff and heard from members of his caucus.

Madigan's defense attorney Daniel Collins asked Jessica Basham if the former speaker worked long hours.

"I don't think anyone works harder than Mike Madigan," she said.

Mike Madigan trial live updates: Former chief of staff takes stand in ex-Illinois speaker trial

Basham said she wasn't always familiar with all those who were recommended for positions, and they didn't all come from the speaker.

She said they weren't all acted upon. About half were approved, she said.

Basham told Collins current House Speaker Chris Welch also makes recommendations.

Jennifer Gavelek, senior vice president for Alliant Insurance Services, began her testimony Wednesday before the short day wrapped up.

While at the insurance agency, Gavelek got involved with the Resurrection Project.

Andrew Madigan was one of her clients.

Prosecutors said Wednesday they could rest their case against Madigan as soon as next week.

Former alderman-turned-government-mole Danny Solis spent several days on the witness stand, before wrapping up Tuesday.

The government is trying to prove that Madigan ran, what amounted to, a criminal enterprise, using his position in Springfield to enrich himself and his political allies.

Madigan and co-defendant Mike McClain face bribery and racketeering charges.