(The Center Square) – A judge declared a mistrial after a jury deadlocked 11-1 on charges alleging former AT&T Illinois leader Paul La Schiazza bribed former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.
The mistrial marks the first defeat for federal prosecutors who have been pursuing corruption charges related to Madigan. Before this week’s mistrial, federal prosecutors had racked up a series of wins in corruption cases. Another judge has scheduled Madigan’s trial for October.
Federal prosecutors could re-try the case, but have not said if they plan to do so. All parties are due back in court next week to determine how to proceed.
The 12-member jury was leaning toward a conviction, the Chicago Tribune reported.
La Schiazza, 66, had pleaded not guilty to one count of conspiracy, one count of corruptly giving something of value to reward a public official, and three counts of using a facility in interstate commerce to promote unlawful activity.
In the indictment, prosecutors alleged Madigan and lobbyist Michael McClain in 2017 conspired with AT&T Illinois’ then-president, Paul La Schiazza, to corruptly arrange for $22,500 to be paid at the direction of the company to a Madigan ally. AT&T Illinois allegedly made the payments through a lobbying firm to conceal the nature of the payments, according to prosecutors. Prosecutors said the plan was “to influence and reward Madigan’s efforts as Speaker to assist AT&T Illinois with respect to certain legislation in the Illinois General Assembly.” Prosecutors said the assignment for Madigan’s ally was a cover for the payments and that the person performed no actual work for AT&T Illinois.
