Powerful former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan was indicted March 2 on federal racketeering charges alleging the 13th Ward political operation that he built was a criminal enterprise that provided personal financial rewards for himself and his associates, The Chicago Tribune reported.
The 22-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury came after a federal investigation and alleges Madigan participated in various bribery schemes aimed at using the power of his office for personal gain.
Also charged in the indictment was Madigan's longtime confidant, Michael McClain, a former state legislator and lobbyist who is facing separate charges alleging he orchestrated an alleged bribery scheme by Commonwealth Edison.
Madigana Southwest Side Democrat who was dethroned from his role as speaker in January 2021 and later resigned his House seathas previously denied wrongdoing.
State Rep. Kelly Cassidy issued a response to the indictment.
"For many years, questions of Speaker Madigan's involvement in corruption have hung over the work of our chamber and our party. This news comes as we are trying to complete our work in the House on a compressed schedule and I can't imagine what it would be like to try to do that if he [were] still the Speaker.
"This is a sad daya reminder of a terrible abuse of power that undermined our constituents' faith in our government. The former Speaker will have his day in court, and the people of the state of Illinois will have an opportunity to learn the full extent of his actions and determine his fate.
"When I first began to speak out, I faced harsh criticism from friends and colleagues alike. Over time, as the steady drip of subpoenas and indictments grew close and closer to the former Speaker, the ranks of members unwilling to continue to pretend everything was fine grew until 19 members refused to be bullied into voting for him to continue in his role. The actions of the group that came to be known as 'The 19' resulted in historic change in our chamber and our party. These members reflect the best of public service and I will forever be thankful to them for taking that brave stance."
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot reported making $383,005 in total income for 2020, her first full calendar year in office, The Tribune noted.
Lightfoot's office released the tax return.
Lightfoot reported $192,437 in city wages to the Internal Revenue Service. She also took out $100,000 from a retirement account, as well as $76,846 from an IRA.
While working as a partner at the law firm Mayer Brown before becoming mayor, Lightfoot reported an average adjusted gross income of $971,626 from 2014 through 2017.