Ex-AT&T Illinois President on Trial for Alleged Bribery Scheme Involving Speaker Madigan

Paul La Schiazza is accused of funneling payments to a Madigan ally to secure legislative support for AT&T's agenda in Springfield.

Tom Cullen, a veteran lobbyist and former aide to Michael Madigan, testified about arranging payments to former state Rep. Eddie Acevedo.
Acevedo was offered $2,500 a month through Cullen's firm, but he demanded more, deeming the offer insufficient.
Prosecutors allege the payments were part of a scheme to win Madigan's support for crucial AT&T legislation.
Cullen and other AT&T lobbyists testified that the payments were meant to avoid direct hiring of Acevedo, which could have drawn scrutiny.
The trial provides a preview of evidence to be presented in the upcoming racketeering trial of Madigan and his confidant, Michael McClain.