Michael Madigan receives 7.5 years in jail and $2.5 million in bribery case

Amazing downward spiral Michael Madigan His political career was 7 1/2 years in prison, and the Illinois House Speaker and the longest-serving legislative leader in U.S. history fined $2.5 million for his conviction for the richness of his friends and allies.

U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey sentenced the 83-year-old, now 83-year-old in the U.S. District Court of Chicago.

Madigan was nicknamed “Velvet Hammer” for its quiet but tenacious style and was convicted on 23 charges in February, in an outstanding corruption trial that lasted four months. The case was stirred through 60 witnesses and mountainous documents, photos and recordings.

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Federal prosecutors seek 12 years in prison. Madigan’s attorney, who is on a five-year probation, said he was a good man who tried to do the right thing by taxpayers and needed to go home to take care of his sick wife, Shirley, who filed a video statement in the court asking her husband to be able to go home.

But Blakey noted that federal sentencing guidelines allow for 105 years based on the findings of the evidence – especially Madigan assumed perjury in his position in his defense. Blakey specifically stirs up what he calls “disgusting” Perjury and evasion. ”

“You lied. You don’t have to do that. You have the right to sit there and exercise your right to silence.” “But you stand up and you take the law into your own hands.”

Madigan served as spokesperson for nearly four decades in his half-century legislative career, the longest spokesperson for U.S. lawmakers. Add to the Illinois Democratic Chairman for more than 20 years, he sets most of his political agenda while selecting candidates for political positions. He also often controls political mapping, drawing boundaries to favor his party.

Meanwhile, prosecutors said the Chicago Democrat established a private legal career, allowing him to accumulate a net worth of $40 million.

Madigan was convicted on 10 counts of bribery, conspiracy, wire fraud and other charges to ensure approval Legislation is beneficial In exchange for utility giants in exchange for kickbacks, jobs and contracts from loyalists, including Chicago lawmakers seeking paid work in the state legislature after retirement from the government.

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The jury held a deadlock on six counts, including a general charge of extortion and acquitted him.

Madigan briefly spoke before the sentencing, demanding to avoid prison so that he could take care of his wife and spend his last few years with his family.

“I’m really sorry to have the people of Illinois pass this goal,” said McDiggan. “I’m trying to do my best to serve the people of Illinois. I’m not perfect.”

During the three and a half hours hearing, Blakey noted that many letters sent to the court supported Madigan. The judge said that Maddigan was a good person and a kind person who helped his neighbors constantly.

But he said: “Great is hard. Honestly not. It’s hard to commit crime. It actually takes effort.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Streicker hammered the fact that Madigan was not responsible for the crime or showed any remorse.

Streicker noted that Madigan had the opportunity to set standards for honest administration when he served as speakers for seven governors. “He was fitting with another model of corrupt leaders in Illinois,” she said. ”

Defense attorneys called the government’s recommendation sentence “harsh”, given that Madigan’s age was life imprisonment.

“He didn’t seek greed. He lived a very frugal life ….” “The words hoped to hold Mike accountable for the long history of corruption in Illinois. He was not, judge. He was a man.”

They asked Blakey to consider Madigan’s overall life and work, as well as the needs of a wife who needs a five-year probation sentence, and a one-year family ban that requires community service and a “reasonable fine.”

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Shirley Madigan said in a video filed before the court that she needed her husband to go home.

“I really don’t exist without him,” she said. “I wish I could say I did this, but I don’t know what would be done without Michael. I might have to find a place to stay, I might have to find care.”

Together with Madigan, his former legislative colleague and long-time confidant, Michael McClain. The jury was unable to make a decision on McLean’s six charges. However, he was convicted in another trial of the comedy conspiracy last year.