CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan took to the witness stand in his own corruption trial on Tuesday.
It marks a surprise development in a trial that began in early October.
Madigan and his top aide Michael McClain are accused of racketeering conspiracy, allegedly using the ex-speaker’s power and influence to benefit friends and allies.
The courtroom was backed with Madigan's friends and family when he took to the stand.
Tuesday, defense attorney Dan Collins began questioning by asking Madigan if people had ever asked him for help? The former speaker responded with a "yes."
For hours, Madigan confidently answered questions about his childhood, political careers and eventually, his connections with executives from ComEd and AT&T.
Asked multiple times if he ever traded his public officer for personal gain, the 82-year-old Madigan clearly responded "no".
Madigan became the highest-ranking public official to testify at their own trial since former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
After nine weeks, the prosecution rested its case on Dec. 18 . Fifty witnesses provided testimony.
One of Madigan’s lead attorneys, Thomas Breen, has argued that the speaker didn’t know what was going on behind his back.
Testimony so far has portrayed McClain as an intentional middle man.
Testimony will continue Wednesday.
WBBM's Craig Dellimore contributed to this report.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned to WBBM Newsradio for an update.
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