Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has been charged in a sweeping 22-count federal racketeering and bribery case involving the state’s largest utility, Commonwealth Edison.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced the indictment Wednesday against Madigan, whose alleged criminal enterprise was carried out by a web of co-conspirators.
The indictment “accuses Madigan of leading for nearly a decade a criminal enterprise whose purpose was to enhance Madigan’s political power and financial well-being while also generating income for his political allies and associates,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
For decades, Madigan was the state’s most powerful legislator and the longest-serving legislative member in the nation. He was in office from 1993 to 2021.
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Madigan’s scheme included obtaining ComEd jobs for friends and associates between 2011 and 2019, according to the indictment. In return, Madigan worked to ensure that only legislation favorable to the utility would pass.
Madigan has denied any wrongdoing.
“The government is attempting to criminalize a routine constituent service: job recommendations. That is not illegal, and these other charges are equally unfounded,” Madigan said in a statement provided to news outlets. “Throughout my 50 years as a public servant, I worked to address the needs of my constituents, always keeping in mind the high standards required and the trust the public placed in me. I adamantly deny these accusations and look back proudly on my time as an elected official, serving the people of Illinois.”
Investigators only learned of Madigan’s alleged involvement when they charged ComEd with bribery in 2019 and discovered evidence involving “Public Official A.” Madigan associates wrapped up in the case have also been indicted, including his former chief of staff Timothy Mapes and close friend Michael McClain, who assisted him in soliciting favors from businesses.
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“Corruption by an elected official and his associates undermines the public’s confidence in our government,” said U.S. Attorney John Lausch. “The indictment alleges a long-term, multifaceted scheme to use public positions for unlawful private gain. Rooting out and prosecuting the kind of corruption alleged in the indictment will always be a top priority for this office.”
