Months after utility Commonwealth Edison admitted to a patronage scheme to curry favor from House Speaker Michael Madigan, some of the Chicago Democrat’s closest allies are now facing criminal charges.

U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois John Lausch released details of criminal charges Wednesday against four former ComEd employees, including Michael McClain, a former state lawmaker-turned lobbyist who allegedly acted as a gatekeeper between Madigan and the company.

Recommended Stories

Democrats motion for, then vote against, charges against Madigan

State reps counter Lt. Gov. candidate’s claim that ethics led Illinois energy legislation

Pritzker, Durbin, Duckworth say Madigan should step down from party leadership