Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has been sentenced to 7½ years in federal prison and fined $2.5 million after being convicted on 10 counts of corruption, including bribery and wire fraud. Prosecutors said Madigan used his power to push legislation that benefited utility company ComEd in exchange for jobs and favors for political allies.
The 83-year-old, once the most powerful figure in Illinois politics, was acquitted on seven charges and the jury deadlocked on six others. His attorneys sought probation, citing his age and role as caregiver for his wife, but the judge emphasized the serious breach of public trust. Madigan’s co-defendant, Michael McClain, was not convicted in this trial but faces prison time from a related case.
