CHICAGO, IL – Michael J. Madigan, the longest-serving legislative leader in United States history and for decades the most powerful politician in Illinois, was sentenced Friday to seven and a half years in federal prison for his conviction in a wide-ranging corruption case.
Key Facts
- The Sentence – Madigan, 83, received a 7.5-year prison term and was ordered to pay a $2.5 million fine.
- Judge’s Rebuke – U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey harshly criticized Madigan for committing perjury during the trial, calling his testimony a ‘nauseating display.’
- The Conviction – In February, a jury convicted Madigan on 10 counts, including conspiracy, bribery, and wire fraud, for his role in a scheme to trade legislative influence for benefits.
The sentencing marks a dramatic downfall for the man nicknamed the “Velvet Hammer,” who ruled the Illinois House of Representatives as Speaker for all but two years from 1983 to 2021 and also chaired the state’s Democratic Party.
Why the Judge Said Madigan ‘Took the Law Into Your Own Hands’
During the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey delivered a stunning rebuke of the former speaker, focusing on Madigan’s decision to testify in his own defense. The judge concluded that Madigan had repeatedly lied to the jury.
“To put it bluntly, it was a nauseating display,” Blakey stated before directly addressing Madigan. “You lied, sir. You lied. You did not have to. You had a right to sit there and exercise your right to silence. But you took that stand and you took the law into your own hands.”
Prosecutors had sought a sentence of at least 12 years, arguing Madigan abused his immense power and contributed to Illinois’ reputation for corruption. Defense attorneys argued for probation, citing Madigan’s age, frugal lifestyle, and need to care for his ailing wife, Shirley.
What Was the ComEd Bribery Scheme?
The federal case against Madigan centered on his relationship with the state’s largest electric utility, Commonwealth Edison, a subsidiary of Exelon. Prosecutors successfully argued that Madigan led a “criminal enterprise” that sought to enrich his allies and enhance his political power.
The core of the conviction involved a scheme where ComEd provided jobs and contracts to Madigan’s associates in exchange for the speaker’s support on legislation favorable to the utility, worth over $150 million. The jury convicted Madigan on 10 of the criminal counts he faced while acquitting him on seven others and deadlocking on six. Before his sentence was read, Madigan briefly addressed the court, stating, “I’m truly sorry for putting the people of the state of Illinois through this. I tried to do my best. I am not perfect.”
What Happens Next for the Former Speaker?
Madigan is due to report to prison on October 13, though his attorneys have indicated they will appeal the conviction and may seek to have him remain free while the appeal is pending. At 83, the 7.5-year sentence raises the possibility that he could spend the remainder of his life in prison.
The conviction places Madigan among a notorious list of high-profile Illinois politicians sentenced to federal prison, including former governors George Ryan and Rod Blagojevich. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Streicker noted in court that while governors came and went, “Madigan stayed,” arguing that instead of setting a standard for honest government, “he fit right into the mold of yet another corrupt leader in Illinois.”
