CHICAGO (WGN) Former Democratic Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan was slated to begin his seven-and-a-half-year prison sentence on Monday.
The veteran politician was found guilty in February on 10 out of 23 charges during an extraordinary corruption trial that spanned four months. The proceedings involved 60 witnesses and vast amounts of documents, photographs, and recorded conversations.
Madigan was sentenced to 90 months in prison, along with a $2.5 million fine, the statutory maximum. He has until 2 p.m. Monday to turn himself in.
Testifying as an expert during the trial, University of Illinois Chicago political science professor Dick Simpson, who has extensively researched Chicago politics, shared his insights.
“The evidence was compelling, and the jury’s verdict on those 10 charges was definitive. There was no uncertainty, and the judge is simply proceeding with due process,” said Simpson.
Madigan’s federal convictions revolved around two main issues: his attempts to secure a state board position for former Chicago Alderman Danny Solis and a bribery plan with utility company ComEd.
Earlier this month, a federal appeals court denied Madigan’s request to stay out of prison while his legal team appeals his convictions.
“The judge wishes to convey a strong message that corruption will not be tolerated,” Simpson noted. “Time in jail is no easy experience. It is a harsh and strenuous punishment.”
According to Simpson, about 2,500 Illinois public officials have been convicted in federal court and sent to prison since 1976. He hopes this major case will inspire reform, similar to the response that followed former Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s conviction.
As Madigan spends his final hours of freedom, Simpson believes the 83-year-old’s time behind bars could ultimately be shortened.
“With his age, his health problems, and his wife’s health problems, he may well get out of prison earlier, but he will still have to serve jail time,” Simpson said.
