THE TRUTH ABOUT: 3 - Caught on Camera

ICC chief Carrie Zalewski pulling plug on job, says it’s not sparked by looming ComEd trial involving father-in-law

She says she doesn’t expect to be a witness in the trial of four people accused of trying to bribe former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan to benefit ComEd. Ex-Ald. Mike Zalewski, her father-in-law, has a role in the trial but isn’t charged.

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 10, 2023

Secret recordings of Madigan, allies won’t be released beyond courtroom, judge rules

U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber said releasing the recordings to the public would “sensationalize the trial more than we want.”

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 9, 2023

Trial of 4 caught up in Madigan’s ComEd bribery scandal delayed by one week

The four were indicted in November 2020 and accused in a nearly decadelong scheme to sway Madigan. They allegedly landed his associates jobs, contracts and money while legislation crucial to ComEd’s bottom line moved through Springfield.

Chicago Sun-Times · Feb 28, 2023

ComEd bribery case might not go to trial until 2023 — thanks to R. Kelly

U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber presides over both cases, which had been scheduled for back-to-back trials this year. The ComEd case involves former House Speaker Michael Madigan’s co-defendant, Michael McClain.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jun 21, 2022

Mike Madigan ally Michael McClain complained to ex-speaker’s son about people ‘offended’ by favors, new filing reveals

Michael Madigan’s son Andrew has not been accused of wrongdoing. But his name was made public Thursday as allegedly taking part in a conversation tied to his father’s bribery charges.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jun 10, 2022

Mike Madigan quipped ‘maybe I’ll take the appointment’ while pushing for ally to join ComEd board

Madigan’s comments may not exactly find a place in the Chicago corruption lexicon, but most of the words previously attributed by the feds to Madigan are far more flat.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 23, 2022

Feds recorded Mike Madigan learning about secret payments to controversial ex-political aide, court records show

The ex-Illinois House Speaker was recorded on a wiretapped phone call in 2018 discussing with lobbyist confidant Michael McClain a plan to arrange secret payments to a close political ally who had been implicated in a sexual harassment scandal, newly released court documents show. Madigan has…

Chicago Sun-Times · May 23, 2022

Feds insist on jury trial for group accused of conspiring to bribe Michael Madigan

Defense attorneys in the case made the surprise move last month of telling U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber they’d prefer that case go forward as a bench trial — decided by the judge — rather than as a jury trial.

Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 26, 2022

Feds want to keep September trial in case involving Madigan co-defendant McClain

But in a surprise move during a status hearing Wednesday, Michael McClain’s defense attorney told the judge the defendants would prefer to have it go forward as a bench trial — decided by the judge — rather than as a jury trial. Prosecutors must agree to that request.

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 23, 2022

Michael Madigan case a study of how Illinois’ cozy politics morphs into alleged crime

At its core, the alleged bribery scheme involving ex-Speaker Michael Madigan and utility giant Commonwealth Edison is an alarmingly familiar lesson on how often-cozy relationships between business leaders and politicians can catch the attention of federal prosecutors.

Chicago Tribune · Mar 4, 2022