Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan Convicted on Bribery and Wire Fraud Charges

The once-powerful political figure faces up to 20 years in prison after being found guilty on 10 counts, though jurors deadlocked on several charges and acquitted him on others.

Michael Madigan, who served as Illinois House Speaker for a record 36 years, was convicted on 10 federal charges, including bribery and wire fraud, related to a decade-long corruption scheme.
Jurors acquitted Madigan of racketeering conspiracy and several other charges, while deadlocking on six counts, leaving questions about potential retrials on unresolved allegations.
The case centered on Madigan's use of his political and legal influence to secure benefits from companies like ComEd and AT&T Illinois in exchange for favorable legislative treatment.
The trial featured secret FBI recordings and testimony from key witnesses, including former Alderman Danny Solis, though his credibility was heavily contested by the defense.
Madigan's conviction has reignited calls for stronger ethics reforms in Illinois, with both Democrats and Republicans emphasizing the need to address the state's long-standing culture of corruption.