Emotional plea from Michael Madigan’s wife seeks leniency before his sentencing

CHICAGO (WGN) — The once-powerful former Speaker of the Illinois House, Michael Madigan, is set to face sentencing on federal corruption charges on Friday, prompting his wife to make an emotional video plea for leniency.

Government prosecutors say they are seeking more than 12 years in prison and a hefty fine for the 83-year-old who was found guilty in February on bribery and corruption charges.  

At the Dirksen Federal Building on Monday, more legal maneuvering, as attorneys for Madigan filed a motion for acquittal. Madigan and his team argue that his net worth had nothing to do with his nearly four-month-long corruption trial. Responding to the defense’s arguments, prosecutors pointed to the February conviction of Madigan, as jurors found him guilty of using his office and political power to steer business to his lucrative law firm.

PREVIOUS: Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan found guilty on 10 counts; jury deadlocked on others

“Madigan’s greed is even more appalling given his law firm’s success,” prosecutors say. “Madigan certainly did not need more legal business—Madigan has amassed a personal fortune of more than $40 million.”

The explosive, multi-million dollar revelation could potentially be a key factor in US District Judge John Blakey’s ruling when it comes to what kind of fine to levy.

As sentencing draws near, expected on Friday, June 13, Madigan’s wife, Shirley, asked for leniency in a videotaped appeal. Shirley Madigan says she can’t manage without her husband in the emotional 8-minute-long video.

“I really don’t exist without him,” she said. ” I wish I could say that I do, but I don’t know what I would do without Michael. I would probably have to find someplace to live.”

Defense lawyers collected close to 200 messages for the court in defense of their client, consisting of family members, former colleagues, labor leaders, and even clergy. Prosecutors, however, in their submittal to the court, pointed to Madigan’s 10-count criminal conviction. 

“Madigan seeks extraordinary leniency from the Court—a sentence of probation for a former high-level elected official convicted of abusing his office for years through bribery, fraud, and conspiracy.”

Judge Blakey denied Madigan’s motion for acquittal, ruling that such inquiries were appropriate concerning the longtime politician’s corruption case.