Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan pleaded not guilty to 22 racketeering counts on Wednesday.
U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Cole approved Madigan, who served as speaker of the Illinois House for 36 years, to be released on pretrial conditions that included an unsecured bond of $10,000. Michael McClain, one of Madigan’s closest aides in the House who is accused of orchestrating a scheme to bribe utility Commonwealth Edison, also pleaded not guilty during the hearing, according to WTTW.
Madigan was charged in the federal racketeering and bribery case on March 2, with the indictment accusing him “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.”
RUSSIAN AMERICAN CHARGED WITH ACTING AS SPY
The former lawmaker’s scheme included obtaining Commonwealth Edison jobs for friends and associates between 2011 and 2019, with Madigan working to ensure only legislation favorable to the utility would pass in return, according to the indictment.
Madigan shot back that federal officials were “attempting to criminalize a routine constituent service: job recommendations.”
“That is not illegal, and these other charges are equally unfounded,” Madigan’s statement read. “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.”
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
The next hearing in Madigan’s case is scheduled for April 1. If convicted of the most serious charge, Madigan could face up to 20 years in prison.
