CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - After nine weeks, the prosecution in the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is resting its case.
There have been 50 witnesses who have testified against Madigan, most notably former Chicago Alderman Danny Solis, who wore a wire to help the feds build their case.
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.
This is a key milepost in the case against Madigan, who’s often called the most powerful Democrat in Illinois, even when there was a Democratic governor.
Now, the defense team gets to make its case. 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.
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