Secretly recorded footage forms backbone of corruption trial of longest-serving legislative leader

CHICAGO (AP) — Hours of secretly recorded videos and phone calls have given a rare glimpse into how the longest-serving legislative leader in U.S. history operates behind closed doors.

As former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s corruption trial enters its third month, testimony covers his multiple alleged schemes, from kickbacks involving the state’s largest utility company to benefits to his private tax firm Chinatown development case.

Jurors heard testimony from a congresswoman, former state lawmaker and the government’s star witness: a former Chicago alderman who secretly wore a wire.

Here’s a closer look at the ongoing trial:

TOLL

Madigan, who served as speaker for more than three decades, was charged with 23 counts of bribery, racketeering, wire fraud and other crimes.

Prosecutors accuse him of using his unparalleled influence as speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives and leader of the state’s Democratic Party for personal gain and to amass more power. As a tax attorney, he was also accused of benefiting from private work illegally transferred to his law firm.

The trial showed how Madigan worked, with the lines between his political and personal roles intertwined.

For example, meetings were often held at his downtown law office, whether for political or legal work. Elected officials or their political advisors often attend, along with business contacts. The recording shows that even in meetings about tax work, he was referred to as a “speaker.”

In 2014, a businessman also working undercover secretly recorded a meeting in which a city councilman presented Madigan’s Chinatown project to hotel developers. Madigan pitched his company’s business.

“We’re not interested in a quick kill here. We’re interested in a long-term relationship,” Madigan said. “We will not be behind anyone in terms of the quality of representation we receive from this law firm. “

The alderman then told a businessman: “If he cooperates with the Speaker, he will get whatever he needs for that hotel.”

star witness

One of the most anticipated parts of the trial was the testimony of former Chicago City Councilman Danny Solis. Solis served as a city councilman for 23 years, leading the powerful zoning committee.

While Madigan was looking for business for his tax firm, Solis met with Madigan about projects in the alderman’s district, which includes Chinatown and the trendy West Loop neighborhood near downtown.

But no one — including his family — knew Solis was working for federal agents, recording meetings and phone calls.

“It is vital that the undercover work I do remains confidential,” Solis, 75, testified in court.

He told jurors that he was approached by federal agents in June 2016 and that he agreed to cooperate to avoid jail time for admitted wrongdoing, including bribery.

However, Solis may be a problematic witness.

He faced huge financial problems, marital problems after an affair and moral lapses, including accepting help from a developer who arranged for Solis to get Viagra and “turned sexual” massages. He also testified that he acted at the request of federal agents, including proposing that Madigan appoint him to the board after he left office.

Defense attorneys called Solis unreliable and accused him of financial misconduct, including squandering campaign funds for a trip to Puerto Rico, his son’s tuition and a car.

“As a city councilman and zoning board chairman, you committed a lot of crimes, right?” Madigan attorney Daniel Collins asked Solis on cross-examination.

“Yes,” Solis said.

Other witnesses include U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinksi, who testified about Madigan’s influence in 2018 when she served as an adviser to Gov. JB Pritzker.

recording

Some of Solis’ videos are shaky and it’s unclear how he recorded them. There is an extended shot of the ceiling and office walls. Many calls are short.

But they show how Madigan, who is known to have no cell phone or email address, operated.

In January 2018, Madigan called Solis to inquire about a proposed West Loop apartment complex.

“Just continue like this? You know why I’m interested,” Madigan said.

Solis asked Madigan if he knew the developer.

“No, but I do,” he said.

Solis told jurors Madigan’s influence would be helpful to him, so he provided the introduction.

“I wanted to please Mr. Madigan,” Solis told jurors.

plan

A sweeping investigation into public corruption in Illinois has resulted in convictions of other elected officials and Madigan’s former chief of staff.

Among other schemes, Madigan is accused of using his influence to pass legislation that would benefit electric utility ComEd. In return, ComEd allegedly provided kickbacks, contracts and jobs to Madigan loyalists while they performed next to no work.

“When Madigan saw an opportunity to make himself rich, he took it,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Strike told jurors.

Defense attorneys portrayed Madigan as a loyal public servant, calling him “incorruptible.”

Madigan has “vehemently” denied wrongdoing in the past and did not speak publicly during the trial. He observed witnesses and jurors intently throughout the proceedings and took frequent notes. Family members, including his daughter, former Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, were in attendance.

Also on trial with Madigan was his long-time close friend Michael McClain, 76, who had been convicted in a related case. Last year, a federal jury convicted McClain and three others of conspiracy to commit bribery involving ComEd.

The trial is expected to be extended until mid-January.