Ex-Illinois House Speaker Madigan Sentenced 7.5 Years Prison, $2.5 Million Fine

Michael Madigan, the longest-serving legislative leader in U.S. history and former Illinois House Speaker, was sentenced to 7½ years in prison and fined $2.5 million for federal corruption charges involving bribery, conspiracy, and wire fraud. The charges stem from a scheme with utility company ComEd that enriched Madigan's allies in exchange for favorable legislation, with prosecutors describing it as a decade-long corruption enterprise. U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey criticized Madigan for committing perjury during his trial testimony, calling it a "nauseating display of perjury and evasion," and emphasized the seriousness of the offenses despite Madigan's long public service. The judge considered both mitigating factors, like Madigan's age and dedication, and aggravating factors, including his decision to lie under oath. The sentencing follows a four-month trial in which Madigan was convicted on 10 of 23 counts, while the jury deadlocked on some charges involving his associate Mike McClain. Illinois political leaders and legal experts have noted the lasting impact of Madigan's corruption on the state, underscoring the need for deterrence of public corruption.