As the longest-serving legislative leader in American history, Michael Madigan repeatedly exploited his public role for private benefit, federal prosecutors alleged Monday during opening statements in Illinois’ largest corruption trial in years.
Madigan, Illinois' House speaker for more than three decades and a former state Democratic Party chairman, is charged in a 23-count indictment with racketeering conspiracy, using interstate facilities in aid of bribery, wire fraud and attempted extortion. Among multiple schemes, he's accused of using his influence to pass legislation favorable to utility companies that doled out kickbacks, jobs and contracts to Madigan loyalists in return.
