CHICAGO (AP) — Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s corruption trial has been postponed as the U.S. Supreme Court reviews a similar case in Indiana. The trial, originally scheduled for April, has been rescheduled to begin on October 8, according to U.S. District Judge John Blakey. He warned prosecutors that proceeding with the trial before the Supreme Court’s ruling could result in a retrial. Madigan, seated at the defense table, consented to the delay.
Madigan is one of several individuals facing public corruption charges in Chicago who have requested that their cases be put on hold until the Supreme Court decides on the corruption conviction of former Portage, Indiana mayor James Snyder. Both Illinois and Indiana fall under the jurisdiction of the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
The outcome of the Snyder case is expected to have significant implications for Madigan’s trial. His defense attorneys argue that the Supreme Court’s decision could clarify important questions regarding a bribery statute that applies to programs receiving federal funds. Specifically, they want clarity on whether the statute criminalizes rewards or gratuities without a quid pro quo arrangement. Additionally, they want clarification on whether a quid pro quo is necessary to prove bribery under the statute. Federal prosecutors in Chicago maintain that a quid pro quo is not required.
Madigan, who is accused of leading a “criminal enterprise” to enhance his political power and generate income for his allies and associates, is set to face trial alongside his longtime friend and confidant, Michael McClain. McClain was previously convicted for his involvement in a conspiracy to bribe Madigan to benefit ComEd.
McClain and his co-defendants in last year’s separate case have also sought to postpone their trial. However, U.S. District Judge Manish Shah declined to grant a stay, although he did postpone the sentencing hearings for scheduling reasons.
The delay in Madigan’s trial aims to avoid wasting time and resources in light of the pending Supreme Court decision, which could be issued right around the conclusion of the trial.
The trial for Madigan, former Illinois House Speaker, has been postponed to October 8, as the U.S. Supreme Court reviews a similar corruption case in Indiana. The delay is prompted by concerns of a potential retrial if the high court’s ruling impacts the proceedings. The outcome of the Indiana case is expected to have significant implications for Madigan’s trial, which centers around allegations of running a “criminal enterprise” to enhance his political power. Madigan’s attorney argues that the Supreme Court’s decision could provide clarity on crucial issues related to a bribery statute. Federal prosecutors assert that a quid pro quo is not necessary to prove bribery. Madigan’s trial is set to take place alongside that of his longtime friend and confidant, Michael McClain, who was convicted in a bribery conspiracy involving ComEd.