(The Center Square) – Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan doesn’t want prosecutors to ask his long-time law partner about the profits their private law firm generated.
Prosecutors plan to ask Madigan’s law partner, Vincent “Bud” Getzendanner, about the firm’s profits because they say it goes to Madigan’s motives for the alleged crimes, which include trading official action for favors. Defense attorneys objected, but not before prosecutors said Madigan makes more than $1 million a year as a 50% partner in the firm. The firm helps clients get property tax reductions.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amarjeet Bhachu told Judge John Robert Blakey that the firm’s profits are relevant to the corruption charges.
“It’s a very lucrative business,” Bhachu said.
Lari Dierks, one of Madigan’s defense attorneys, said the firm’s profits weren’t relevant and would serve only to inflame the jury.
Bhachu said the firm’s profits would help the jury understand “why Mr. Madigan would be motivated to engage in an illegal transaction.”
Blakey didn’t immediately rule on the issue Monday. The jury was not in the room to hear the discussion. Defense attorneys were frustrated anyway, saying the entire matter should have been discussed under seal.
Defense attorneys plan to ask Getzendanner about how the firm handles conflicts of interest, given Madigan’s former political positions.
Prosecutors have alleged that ComEd and AT&T Illinois gave out jobs and contract work to those loyal to Madigan to get legislation passed that would benefit them in Springfield.
ComEd agreed to pay $200 million in July 2020 to resolve a criminal investigation into the years-long bribery scheme. As part of a deferred prosecution agreement, ComEd admitted it arranged $1.3 million in jobs, vendor subcontracts and payments to influence Madigan. AT&T Illinois agreed to pay $23 million as part of its own deferred prosecution agreement in 2022.
Madigan served in the Illinois House from 1971 to 2021. He served as speaker of the Illinois House from 1983 to 1995 and again from 1997 to 2021. He wielded additional power as chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois.
Madigan, who resigned after losing the House speakership in January 2021, faces 23 counts of racketeering, bribery and official misconduct.
