Michael McClain Sentenced Two Years Illinois ComEd Bribery Scheme

Michael McClain, longtime aide and right-hand man to Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan, was sentenced to two years in prison for his role in a bribery conspiracy involving Commonwealth Edison (ComEd). McClain and three co-defendants, known as the ComEd Four, were convicted in 2023 of orchestrating a scheme that funneled $1.3 million to Madigan's allies in exchange for favorable legislation benefiting ComEd. Prosecutors described McClain's actions as "illegal to its core," highlighting his relentless efforts to secure no-show jobs and contracts for Madigan's network, while his defense cited his health and portrayed his lobbying efforts as legal. McClain's sentencing follows those of former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore and lobbyist John Hooker, with former City Club President Jay Doherty's sentencing pending. Madigan himself was convicted on multiple corruption counts and sentenced to over seven years in prison for running a criminal enterprise to enrich himself and allies. The case exposes systemic corruption in Illinois politics involving utility companies and legislative influence.