Ex-aide to Michael Madigan pleads not guilty to perjury

Mapes
House Speaker Michael Madigan, left, and his then-chief of staff, Tim Mapes, in 2009. Photo credit Getty Images

(AP) — The longtime chief of staff to former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has pleaded not guilty to accusations he lied under oath to a federal grand jury investigating a bribery scheme involving electric utility Commonwealth Edison.

Timothy Mapes entered the plea Friday during a hearing conducted remotely.

U.S. District Judge John Lee said the 66-year-old Mapes will remain free pending trial.

Wednesday's indictment states Mapes was granted immunity to testify and that his words or evidence can't be used against him in a criminal case unless he committed perjury.

Mapes' attorneys have rejected the perjury allegation, contending the government's case is about Madigan.

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