Illinois’ ex-House speaker charged in $3M bribery schemes

By Michael Tarm and John O’Connor Associated Press

Posted March 3, 2022 12:47 PM

Michael Madigan, the former speaker of the Illinois House and for decades one of the nation’s most powerful legislators, was charged with a nearly $3 million racketeering and bribery scheme Wednesday, becoming the most prominent politician swept up in a federal investigation of entrenched government corruption in the state.Madigan, 79, is charged in the 22-count indictment with racketeering conspiracy, using interstate facilities in aid of bribery, wire fraud and attempted extortion. Madigan, who resigned from the …

To Read the Full Story

Your source for legal news and information

Print & Digital Access

Stay in the know all year long with these benefits:

Delivery to your office in downtown Chicago or mailed outside our hand-delivery zone.
Unlimited access to chicagolawbulletin.com.
Access to our e-edition and mobile site.
Breaking news alerts, Morning Lineup and Afternoon Headlines.
Exclusive access to events, discounts and more.

Order now, or call 312-644-2394 or email Subscription@LawBulletinMedia.com for details.

Be in the know. These must-read insider briefings will keep you

informed of the latest legal developments in Chicago. Sign up today!

7th Circuit rejects R. Kelly’s challenge to 20-year sentence

The singer R. Kelly was correctly sentenced to 20 years in prison on child sex convictions in Chicago, a federal appeals court ruled Friday.
By Kathleen Foody
Real estate firm to pay $250M to settle commission lawsuits

A real estate company owned by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway has agreed to pay $250 million to settle lawsuits nationwide claiming that longstanding practices by real estate brokerages forced U.S. homeowners to pay artificially inflated broker commissions when they sold their homes.
By Alex Veiga
Judge tosses GIPA suit against Advocate

An employee who alleges Advocate Health and Hospitals Corp. required her to answer questions about her family medical history does not have a case under the Illinois Genetic Information Privacy Act, a state court judge ruled.
By Patricia Manson
Illinois Supreme Court to hear 5 civil cases in May term

The Illinois Supreme Court will hear five civil cases in its May term, including weighing in on whether a class action suit that does not allege actual harm has standing in court.
By Grace Barbic
ARDC board advises suspension for misusing trust income

An attorney who misappropriated more than $11,300 in trust funds should be suspended for one year, according to the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission hearing board.
By Emma Oxnevad
Wood leaving 7th Circuit to join American Law Institute

Diane P. Wood, who is retiring from the 7th Circuit bench this month, spoke at a luncheon in her honor Wednesday at the Union League Club.
By Patricia Manson
Supreme Court weighs idea of total presidential immunity

The Supreme Court on Thursday appeared likely to reject former President Donald Trump’s claim of absolute immunity from prosecution over election interference, but it seemed possible Trump could still benefit from a lengthy trial delay, possibly beyond November’s election.
By Mark Sherman
New York appeals court overturns Weinstein rape conviction

New York’s highest court on Thursday overturned Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction, finding the judge at the landmark #MeToo trial prejudiced the ex-movie mogul with “egregious” improper rulings, including a decision to let women testify about allegations that weren’t part of the case.
By Michael R. Sisak and Dave Collins