SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has pleaded not guilty to racketeering and bribery.
Madigan entered the plea through an attorney Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Chicago.
The former Democratic powerhouse is accused of a decade-long bribery scheme in which utility company ComEd handed out subcontracts and no-work jobs to Madigan loyalists in exchange for favorable legislation in Springfield.
Madigan controlled the House and decided the fate of many pieces of legislation for most of the past four decades. He resigned in early 2021 after he couldn’t gather enough votes for a 19th term at the helm.
Ex-lobbyist and Madigan confidant Michael McClain is also charged and pleaded not guilty.
