Jury selection begins in corruption trial of longest-serving legislative leader in US history
Jury selection has begun in the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, once the longest-serving legislative leader in U.S. history
CHICAGO (AP) — Jury selection began Wednesday in the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, once the longest-serving legislative leader in American history.
The case against Madigan, who resigned in 2021, is one of Illinois’ largest corruption trials in years. The 82-year-old is charged in a multimillion-dollar racketeering and bribery scheme that included the state’s largest utility, ComEd.
Federal prosecutors allege the Chicago Democrat used his power not only as speaker but in other roles, including as head of the state Democratic Party, to run a “criminal enterprise” to amass even more wealth and power. A 23-count indictment against him includes racketeering conspiracy, wire fraud and attempted extortion charges.
Political experts have said seating a jury may be difficult because of Madigan’s name recognition. More than 1,000 people were mailed jury summonses. That number was narrowed to about 180 people who reported to federal court in Chicago on Wednesday.
