Longest-serving state legislative leader exploited the public trust, prosecutors say

CHICAGO (AP) — As the longest-serving legislative leader in American history, Michael Madigan repeatedly exploited his public role for private benefit, federal prosecutors alleged Monday during opening statements in Illinois’ largest corruption trial in years.

Madigan, Illinois' House speaker for more than three decades and a former state Democratic Party chairman, is charged in a 23-count indictment with racketeering conspiracy, using interstate facilities in aid of bribery, wire fraud and attempted extortion. Among multiple schemes, he's accused of using his influence to pass legislation favorable to utility companies that doled out kickbacks, jobs and contracts to Madigan loyalists in return.

“This is a case about corruption at the highest levels of state government,” assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Streicker told jurors. “Madigan abused his power and used the organizations he led to engage in a pattern of corrupt conduct over and over and over again.”

Over two hours, Streicker gave an overview of the government’s case, presenting slides with photos and flow charts of key players accused in the schemes, handwritten Madigan documents and quotes from wiretapped conversations.

Madigan’s defense attorneys quickly batted down the accusations in their opening statement.

“She is relying on bad information. She is relying on unreliable sources. And she is relying on guess work and speculation,” said defense attorney Tom Breen. “You are going to hear some out-and-out lies.”

Instead, defense attorneys painted a picture of Madigan, who resigned in 2021, as devoted to his working-class legislative district on the city’s Southwest Side near Midway International Airport.

“He was in fact, incorruptible,” Breen said.

Madigan, 82, has maintained a low profile since he was indicted in 2022 and “adamantly” denied wrongdoing.

The Chicago Democrat — who is also an attorney — watched the proceedings intently, taking notes on a legal pad. Several of his family members attended and sat in the front row, including his daughter, Lisa Madigan, who served four terms as Illinois attorney general. She declined to seek re-election in 2018.

Opening statements began Monday afternoon after jury selection that lasted almost two weeks. Twelve jurors and six alternates were selected after extensive questions on the role of lobbyists, news consumption habits and familiarity with the man who was once the most powerful leader in Illinois politics.

First elected to the Legislature in 1970, Madigan was speaker of the state House from 1983 to 2021, except for two years when Republicans were in control. He set much of Illinois’ political agenda by deciding which legislation would be voted on and by controlling several campaign funds. He also oversaw political mapmaking.

Federal prosecutors allege he exploited those roles repeatedly to amass more power and money. He’s also accused of benefiting from private legal work illegally steered to his law firm.

“You will see how he was willing to trade public power to line his own pockets,” Streicker said.

Prosecutors also outlined a network of loyalists who helped run the schemes and conceal them.

Standing trial alongside Madigan is longtime confidant and co-defendant Michael McClain, who prosecutors called Madigan’s “mouthpiece.” The onetime state legislator and former lobbyist has already been found guilty in a separate, related case. Last year, federal jurors convicted McClain and three others of a bribery conspiracy involving ComEd, the state's largest utility company.

Madigan's trial is expected to last nearly three months. Jurors are expected to hear about 200 recordings and testimony, including from former Chicago Alderman Danny Solis, who was a cooperating witness for the government and secretly recorded conversations for years.

Much of the evidence has been previewed in open court. A sweeping investigation of public corruption has already produced convictions of legislators and Madigan’s former chief of staff.

Prosecutors said the recordings will illustrate Madigan’s role in the schemes. But defense attorneys, who played video clips of meetings of Solis during opening statements, said the former alderman is not to be trusted as he faced legal and financial troubles of his own.

McClain’s attorneys were expected to address jurors on Tuesday. He sat at a table separate from Madigan as he watched the proceedings Monday.

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan arrives at federal court where he is on trial for charges in a multimillion-dollar racketeering and bribery scheme Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan arrives at federal court where he is on trial for charges in a multimillion-dollar racketeering and bribery scheme Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan arrives at federal court where he is on trial for charges in a multimillion-dollar racketeering and bribery scheme Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan arrives at federal court where he is on trial for charges in a multimillion-dollar racketeering and bribery scheme Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan arrives at federal court where he is on trial for charges in a multimillion-dollar racketeering and bribery scheme Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco 49ers star receiver Brandon Aiyuk will miss the rest of the season after tearing ligaments in his right knee.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said tests Monday confirmed the initial diagnosis that Aiyuk tore his ACL and would need major reconstructive surgery after getting hit on the knee while making a catch in the red zone late in the second quarter of a 28-18 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. Shanahan said Aiyuk also tore his MCL.

Shanahan said Aiyuk took the news of a significant injury hard when he talked to him at home on Sunday night.

“He was hurting. Just bummed out," Shanahan said. "Exactly how you’d expect. But, BA is a strong dude and a spiritual guy. He believes everything happens for a reason. So, he’ll be all right. But definitely a little down last night. I was just telling him how bad I felt for him and just let him know we’re all here for him through this.”

Aiyuk got hurt late in the first half when was hit on the knee after making a catch in the red zone. He stayed down for a few minutes before being carted to the locker room and was quickly ruled out for the rest of the game.

Aiyuk, who signed a $120 million, four-year extension in late August following a lengthy contract “hold in,” has 25 catches for 374 yards this season. He was a second-team All-Pro last season when he had 1,342 yards receiving.

Aiyuk's absence puts added pressure on first-round rookie Ricky Pearsall, who had three catches in his NFL debut on Sunday that came exactly 50 days after he was shot in the chest during a robbery attempt in San Francisco.

San Francisco also could be without its two other top receivers this week. Deebo Samuel was hospitalized with pneumonia Sunday night that forced him to miss most of the game against Kansas City. Shanahan didn't know when Samuel will be able to return to practice.

No. 3 receiver Jauan Jennings missed the last game with a hip injury and his status for this week remains questionable.

All-Pro tight end George Kittle (foot sprain) and backup receiver Chris Conley (ankle sprain) are day to day.

The injury to Aiyuk is the latest to hit a star player for the 49ers, who have been missing All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey all season with Achilles tendinitis.

McCaffrey has been working out the past few weeks but is not expected to return to practice this week. Shanahan said McCaffrey has a chance to return after the Niners' bye week before they visit Tampa Bay on Nov. 10.

The Niners have also missed several other key players for significant time, including linebacker Dre Greenlaw, defensive tackle Javon Hargrave and safety Talanoa Hufanga.

That has helped contribute to a rough start to the season for the 49ers (3-4), who are fighting to get back to the playoffs after making it to the NFC title game the past three seasons and losing in last season's Super Bowl to Kansas City.

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, bottom, remains on the field after being hit during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) is hit by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie, left, and safety Chamarri Conner during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)

Tests confirm a season-ending knee injury for 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) remains on the field after being hit during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Eakin Howard)

Tests confirm a season-ending knee injury for 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk