Friday saw the collapse of a once-dominant political stronghold, as former Illinois House speaker Michael Madigan received a sentence of 7 and a half years imprisonment and a fine amounting to $2.5 million. He had been found guilty of corrupt practices, abusing his position for the financial benefit of his allies and friends. Renowned as the longest tenured legislative leader across the United States, the 83-year-old’s judgment was pronounced by District Judge John Robert Blakey in Chicago’s U.S. District Court.
Known popularly as the ‘Velvet Hammer’ due to his unassumingly forceful style, Madigan’s spectacular corruption trial, that stretched across four months, concluded with a conviction on 10 out of 23 charges in February. The proceedings witnessed the testimonies of nearly 60 witnesses and the contemplation of a plethora of documents, images, and recorded conversations.
Federal prosecutors were adamant about a prison term stretching to 12 and a half years. However, Madigan’s legal defense argued for a five-year probation, claiming their client – a man who they insisted had always worked in the citizens’ interest – was crucial to the care of his sick wife, Shirley. To sway the court, Shirley’s recorded statement was presented, pleading for her spouse’s return home.
Judge Blakey highlighted the legitimacy of a staggering 105-year prison term under the federal sentencing guidelines based on the presented evidence. Particularly, he expressed his contempt for what he considered ‘a vile display of perjury and evasion.’ Madigan’s attempt to mislead the court during his testimony was the cause for such distaste.
In Judge Blakey’s words, ‘You lied. There was no need for it. You were entitled to remain silent.’ He rued Madigan’s decision to provide testimony, labeling it as taking law into his own hands.
Spanning five decades, Madigan held the position of speaker for close to forty years, a record for a U.S. legislator. With an additional 20-year tenure as the chairperson of the Illinois Democratic Party, Madigan was instrumental in shaping the political narratives of the state and selecting its candidates.
His influence wasn’t limited to the political realm; he was known to control political cartography, crafting boundaries favorable to his party. While fulfilling his political ambitions, Madigan established a flourishing private legal practice on the side, making him worth around $40 million.
It was found that in his pursuit of materialistic gains, Madigan was guilty of 10 charges, which included bribery, conspiracy, and wire fraud, among others. His fraudulent activities included securing a state board job for a retiring Chicago alderman and ensuring legislation was passed, yielding benefits to the utilities power-house ComEd, against kickbacks and providing contracts for his followers.
The jury failed to reach a consensus on six charges, including a racketeering conspiracy charge, and declared Madigan not guilty on seven counts. However, before the sentencing, Madigan briefly spoke to request a reprieve of prison time, to care for his ailing wife and spend his sunset years with family.
Madigan’s demeanor was apologetic as he said, ‘I sincerely regret burdening the people of Illinois with this.’ He admitted imperfections but insisted that his intent was to serve the people of Illinois optimally.
Judge Blakey appreciated the several letters received by the court in support of Madigan. He recognized Madigan as a kind, benevolent family man who never hesitated to aid his neighbors. Yet, the judge lucidly stated that integrity is uncomplicated as compared to greatness, which demands rigorous efforts.
Sarah Streicker, the Assistant U.S. Attorney, sharply criticized Madigan for not expressing any remorse or acknowledging his crimes. She made clear that Madigan had a lengthy service period with seven governors and ample opportunities to establish standards of clean governance.
Streicker concluded, ‘He had every chance to set a benchmark for honest governance.’ But instead, according to her, Madigan succumbed to corruption and became just another dishonest leader in Illinois.