AT&T Illinois Bribery Scheme Tied to Madigan Corruption Trial Unfolds in Court

Prosecutors allege AT&T Illinois funneled payments to a former state representative to secure legislative support, implicating ex-Speaker Michael Madigan in a broader racketeering case.

• A federal judge denied a mistrial request for former AT&T Illinois President Paul La Schiazza, accused of bribing ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan through payments to former state Rep. Eddie Acevedo.
• Prosecutors claim AT&T hired Acevedo through a lobbying firm to influence the passage of the Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) bill, a key legislative priority for the company in 2017.
• Emails presented in court suggest La Schiazza and others sought to obscure the payments to Acevedo, who was viewed as unqualified, to avoid scrutiny from lawmakers and opponents.
• Former Speaker Madigan and longtime ally Michael McClain are on trial for 23 counts of racketeering and bribery, with evidence tying their actions to no-work jobs and political favors for legislative influence.
• Eddie Acevedo, despite concerns over his competence due to alleged dementia, has been ordered to testify under immunity as the trial continues next week.

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