By Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times
November 2, 2022
CHICAGO – Disgraced former Democrat Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan pleaded not guilty to added charges in his ongoing racketeering conspiracy case.
The former speaker was not required to participate in his arraignment on Tuesday which added an indictment on a conspiracy charge involving AT&T Illinois. U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Cole granted Madigan permission to evade the arraignment after Madigan signed a waiver pleading not guilty on all charges.
Madigan’s codefendant, Michael McClain, was also allowed to skip the arraignment after signing a waiver pleading not guilty to all charges.
Madigan’s indictment earlier this year alleged that he and McClain sought jobs, contracts, and cash bribes for known associates from ComEd between 2011 and 2019. Madigan is also accused of using his official office, as the elected Democrat Illinois House Speaker, to grease the wheels to help ComEd pass favorable legislation. The federal government charged ComEd separately in 2020, after which ComEd cut a deal in which they agreed to pay a $200 million fine.
Madigan’s superseding indictment filed October 12, alleges that Madigan and McClain schemed with former AT&T Illinois President Paul La Schiazza to pay $22,500 to former state Democrat Rep. Edward Acevedo with the goal of influencing pending legislation in Springfield. La Schiazza faces a five-count conspiracy indictment and has pleaded not guilty.
Michael Madigan could not be reached for a statement.
The Chicago Times 