Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan sentenced to 7.5 years in prison

CHICAGO, Ill. (WTVO) — Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan has been sentenced to 7 and a half years in prison on bribery and corruption charges.

A jury convicted Madigan earlier this year of conspiracy, bribery, and wire fraud in a high-profile corruption trial.

He was also ordered to pay a $2.5 million fine.

The jury could not reach a decision on six of the 23 counts against him, including an overarching racketeering conspiracy charge, after deliberations that lasted more than 10 days. Ultimately, he was convicted on 10 counts of bribery, conspiracy, and wire fraud.

Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual called it a “historic” conviction, ranking high among top public corruption cases tried in Chicago’s federal courthouse. He said that Illinois residents have a right to trust in their government.”

The trial, which began in October, featured more than 60 witnesses, including a congresswoman, business leaders and former state legislators.

Madigan, 83, served as House speaker for more than 30 years, becoming the longest serving U.S. legislator, and earned the nickname the “Velvet Hammer” for his forceful yet quiet leadership style.

He left political office in 2021 while under investigation and was indicted the following year.

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.

Among his crimes: Madigan used his influence to pass legislation that benefited companies like ComEd, which gave kickbacks, jobs, and contracts to Madigan loyalists in return.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.