Madigan, McClain plead not guilty to racketeering charges
Former House speaker, lobbyist, could face decades in prison
By PETER HANCOCK
Capitol News Illinois
phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com
SPRINGFIELD – Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and former lobbyist Michael McClain on Wednesday pleaded not guilty in federal court to charges of racketeering, bribery, fraud and extortion.
Both were arraigned on those charges during a teleconference hearing before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Cole, a hearing that was prolonged several minutes because McClain had difficulty dialing into the teleconference.
The two men were charged March 2 in a 22-count indictment that grew out of a sprawling federal investigation into public corruption that focused largely on Chicago-area Democratic officials.
Madigan, 79, served for half a century in the Illinois House, from 1971 until February 2021 when he resigned his seat after failing to secure his 19th term as speaker. He was first elected speaker in 1983 and held that post for all but two years until January 2021, making him the longest serving leader of any legislative chamber in U.S. history.
Known to many in the Statehouse as the “Velvet Hammer” for his tight control of the House, Madigan’s grip on power eroded quickly after he was named as “Public Official A” in a deferred prosecution agreement with utility giant Commonwealth Edison in July 2020.
In that agreement, ComEd admitted to a yearslong practice of awarding jobs and contracts to Madigan’s close associates in exchange for his support for bills that benefitted the company financially.
McClain, 74, is a former lawmaker who served in the House with Madigan for 10 years beginning in 1972 until he began work as a lobbyist for ComEd.
The indictment alleges that for a period of nearly 10 years, Madigan used his positions in the House and within the Democratic Party of Illinois to operate what prosecutors called “the Madigan Enterprise” – a network of operations that used patronage politics and other illegal activities that were set up to preserve his political power and his financial well-being.
Many of the charges are related to the ComEd bribery scheme. In addition, though, Madigan is accused of using his positions illegally to steer work to his property tax law firm, Madigan & Getzendanner, from entities that did business with the state and the city of Chicago.
Specifically, Madigan is charged with one count of conspiracy to engage in racketeering, a charge that carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the amount of gain for the activity, whichever is greater.
He is also charged with conspiracy to violate several federal statutes, five counts of federal program bribery, nine counts of using interstate facilities to aid in bribery and extortion, five counts of engaging in schemes to commit fraud and one count of attempted extortion.
Those charges carry maximum penalties ranging from five years to 20 years each, as well as $250,000 fines.
McClain is charged with conspiracy to engage in racketeering, one count of federal program bribery, one count of using interstate facilities to aid in bribery and extortion, and two counts of engaging in schemes to commit fraud.
In response to the indictment, Madigan issued a statementdenying any criminal activity.
“The government is trying to criminalize a routine constituent service: job recommendations,” he said. “That is not illegal and these other charges are equally unfounded.”
McClain also issued a statement through his attorney saying the charges against him were based on the same acts that were included in an earlier indictment filed in November 2020.
“For years, the government has been trying to force Mike McClain to cooperate in its quest against former Speaker Mike Madigan,” the statement read. “These latest charges are nothing more than the government’s continued attempt to pressure Mike McClain to do the government’s bidding.”
McClain will “never testify falsely about himself or anyone,” regardless of the charges, according to the statement.
“Mike McClain was innocent of the charges when they were first filed in November of 2020. He remains innocent of the recycled and new charges in this latest Indictment,” the statement read.
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government and distributed to more than 400 newspapers statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
Illinois News
Classifieds
No More Potholes on Blue Devil Drive
Spread the loveBy Andrea Arens The meme is there’s two seasons in Illinois – winter and construction. That also will hold true for the Peotone School District but, unlike Chicago, many will appreciate the improvements. Blue Devil Drive, the street in front of the junior high that also provides access to the football field, baseball…
Dangerous Intersection A Topic at Board Meeting
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva The outcry was heard. Manteno Village Board Trustee Diane Dole reported at the April 15 board meeting that there have been a few safety changes at the intersection of 12000 North Road and Illinois Rt. 50, which is north of Manteno but not in the village. “Everyone is thankful to…
Rep. Haas Co-Hosts Rx Drop-Off Event
Spread the loveIn conjunction with other community partners, State Rep. Jackie Haas (R-Kankakee) is co-hosting a prescription drop-off event on Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Northfield Square Mall East parking lot, 1600 N. State Rt. 50 in Bourbonnais. “I invite all District 79 area residents to come by and…
Peotone Police Blotter: April 12-16
Spread the loveApril 12: Peotone Police were dispatched to N. Railroad and E. North Streets for a report of a property damage vehicle accident. Peotone Police arrived on scene and confirmed no injury occurred. The responding officer spoke with the single driver involved, who advised while turning around he struck a parked vehicle. Owner of…
Peotone Library News
Spread the loveThe library now offers a monthly e-newsletter. Sign-up on the website at peotonelibrary.org. Then, at the bottom of the opening page, click on the Newsletter Signup box. Interested in the Homebound Delivery Program? Contact the Adult Services Department for more information and guidelines. Register for events on the website calendar or call the…
‘Success by 6’ Presents Free Trauma/Resilience Summit
Spread the loveSuccess By 6, a partnership initiative of the United Way of Kankakee and Iroquois Counties and the Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley, is proud to announce a free Trauma and Resilience Summit on Tuesday, May 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Kankakee First Church of the Nazarene. This free, full-day…
St. Agnes Students Raise Funds for Diaper Pantry
Spread the loveStudents at St. Agnes School in Chicago Heights raised $1,650 during their Lenten service project to purchase diapers for Franciscan Health Olympia Fields’ diaper pantry for new moms in need. The project, “For the Sake of New Life,” spanned two weeks during Lent, when students filled baby bottle banks with money they earned…
Springfest 5K Run/1.5 Mile Walk a Grand Success
Spread the loveOn Saturday, April 13, Manteno American Legion was the site of an extraordinary event – the Springfest 5K Run/1.5 Mile Walk. Many thanks to those involved who made this event such a success, including the Manteno Legion, Manteno Women’s Auxiliary, Sons of American Legion, Manteno Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Manteno Police and…
Beecher Community Library News
Spread the loveCall the library at 708-946-9090 for programs that require registration. Youth Services A new take-and-make craft will be available on May 1. Pick up anytime! April 25 and 26, May 2 and 3, at 10 a.m., Beecher Bookworm Buddies: Enjoy stories, games, music, and a craft for small children in the meeting room.…
BHS Announces Third Quarter Honor Rolls
Spread the loveBeecher High School recently announced students named to its third quarter honor rolls. Congratulations to the following students!! High Honors Seniors: Quinton Allen, Alexis Barkus, Katelyn Bol, Adriana Cabrera, Tyler Cochrane, Kenneth Deems, Riley DeRoos, Nathan Diachenko, Julieta Dominguez, Jessica Ellerson, Ariana Fernandez, Giada Garza, Olivia Geringer-Spagnola, Caitlin Gill, Jack Hayhurst, Andrew Hering,…
WCCHC Offering Primary Care Services in Monee
Spread the loveThe Will County Health Department and Community Health Center will begin offering primary care medical services at its Eastern Branch Office in Monee, 5601 W. Monee-Manhattan Road, beginning in April. Primary care services at the Eastern Branch office will be available from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., every Wednesday, effective immediately. Appointments are…
Moore Joins Federated Bank as AVP Community Banking Manager/Loan Officer
Spread the loveFederated Bank proudly announced the appointment of Shannon Moore as Assistant Vice President and Community Banking Manager, effective January 1. Bringing more than 15 years of extensive experience in the banking and mortgage lending industries, Moore is recognized for his exceptional leadership and commitment to community-focused banking solutions. Prior to joining Federated Bank,…
ECDA, Illinois Hispanic Chamber Partner for MWBE Certification Workshop
Spread the loveLocal business owners are invited to attend a ‘How to Become a Certified MWBE in Illinois’ Lunch n’ Learn session on May 7, at 11:30 a.m., at the ECDA office, 275 E. Court Street, Suite 201, in Kankakee. The City of Kankakee Economic and Community Development Agency has partnered with the Illinois Hispanic…
Monee Police Blotter: April 8 – 16
Spread the loveApril 8, at approximately 8:45 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 5800 block of Monee-Manhattan Road, to investigate an unwanted person. Upon the officer’s arrival, they spoke to the manager of the business, who said a male, who previously was told not to return because of past disturbances, showed up and…