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Michael Madigan Sentenced to 7½ Years in Prison for Corruption

Fined $2.5 million after his conviction on 10 counts, the sentence has fueled bipartisan calls for sweeping ethics reforms in Illinois.

Then-Speaker Michael Madigan, left, greets then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich during the Governor's Day at the Illinois State Fair on Aug. 18, 2004. (Michael Tercha/Chicago Tribune)
Flanked by attorneys and supporters, Illinois' former House Speaker Michael Madigan walks out of the Dirksen Federal Courthouse after being sentenced to 7 1/2years in prison and fined $2.5 million on federal corruption charges, Friday, June 13, 2025. (Ashlee Rezin/Chicago Sun-Times via AP)
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan leaves the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse after being sentenced to 7 1/2 years in prison and fined $2.5 million during his post-trial sentencing hearing, June 13, 2025, in Chicago. He's flanked by daughters Tiffany, left, and Nicole. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan arrives at Dirksen U.S. Courthouse for his post-trial sentencing hearing on June 13, 2025, in downtown Chicago. (Audrey Richardson/Chicago Tribune)

Overview

  • U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey imposed a 90-month prison term following a four-month trial that featured more than 60 witnesses.
  • Madigan was convicted on 10 counts of bribery, conspiracy and wire fraud for using his office to solicit kickbacks and no-show jobs for allies.
  • Prosecutors detailed schemes with utility Commonwealth Edison and a state board appointment plot to enrich Madigan and his associates.
  • Blakey criticized Madigan’s trial testimony as “a nauseating display of perjury and evasion” and denied defense requests for probation or home confinement despite his age.
  • Illinois leaders from both parties have responded to the sentencing with demands for comprehensive ethics legislation to restore public trust.