Overview

• Eddie Acevedo, a former Illinois state representative and ally of Michael Madigan, has been ordered to testify in the corruption trial despite his lawyer's claims that dementia impairs his competency.
• Acevedo is accused of receiving over $140,000 in consulting fees from AT&T Illinois and ComEd in exchange for Madigan’s influence on legislative matters, though he faces no charges in this case.
• U.S. District Judge John Blakey ruled that Acevedo’s testimony could be recorded and played for the jury to mitigate potential disruptions or irrelevant remarks.
• Prosecutors allege Acevedo’s payments were part of a broader bribery scheme orchestrated by Madigan and his confidant Michael McClain, both of whom deny the charges.
• The trial is nearing its conclusion, with prosecutors expected to rest their case next week, and closing arguments anticipated shortly after New Year’s Day.