(The Center Square) – Several of Michael Madigan’s former associates have testified at the former Illinois House speaker’s bribery and racketeering trial in Chicago.
Former Madigan aide Craig Willert and precinct captain Stephen Hensley followed two of the longtime speaker’s chief counsels, David Ellis and Justin Cox, to the witness stand, as jurors returned to the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse for the first time since Dec. 19.
Cox’s name has been heard several times in recordings played by government attorneys during the trial.
In a wiretapped call on May 9, 2018, McClain instructed lobbyist Nancy Kimme about legislation that included a land transfer in Chicago’s Chinatown neighborhood.
“It probably wouldn’t hurt either you taking it to Justin Cox or asking Theresa Mah to also take it to Justin Cox,” McClain said.
The Chinatown parcel sits within State Rep. Mah’s Illinois House district.
On May 28, 2018, Kimme and McClain discussed the proposed land transfer again.
“Hey, if you get a chance and you are talking to that Justin Cox guy, can you ask him where he thinks things are on that land bill?” Kimme asked.
“I will,” McClain responded.
On Feb. 20, 2019, McClain told Madigan that legislation for the power sector would start and end in the House.
“I mean, your staff was just better qualified to handle all the nuances,” McClain told Madigan.
“OK, and who would that be now? Is that Justin?” Madigan asked.
“That’d be Justin,” McClain answered.
Defense attorneys have indicated that they plan to call Madigan’s former law partner, Vincent “Bud” Getzendanner, to testify. Among the charges in the indictment against Madigan and McClain is one that alleges the two men used Madigan’s public office to illegally steer business to his private law firm, Madigan & Getzendanner.
Prosecutors plan to ask 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.
Former State Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, began testifying late Monday afternoon and is expected to return Tuesday morning, when the trial is scheduled to resume at the Everett McKinley Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago.
• Brett Rowland contributed to this story.
