Jury selection commenced on Wednesday in the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, who held the record for being the longest-serving legislative leader in American history. The case against Madigan, who resigned in 2021, is considered one of Illinois' most significant corruption trials in recent years. The 82-year-old faces charges in a multimillion-dollar racketeering and bribery scheme involving the state's largest utility, ComEd.
According to federal prosecutors, Madigan, a Chicago Democrat, allegedly leveraged his power as speaker and in other influential roles to orchestrate a 'criminal enterprise' aimed at accumulating more wealth and influence. The 23-count indictment includes charges such as racketeering conspiracy, wire fraud, and attempted extortion.
