(The Center Square) – Former ComEd executive Fidel Marquez has returned to the witness stand at the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.
Marquez pleaded guilty to bribery in 2020 and agreed to cooperate with the federal government’s corruption investigation. Part of Marquez’ cooperation involved his agreement to wiretap conversations.
On Wednesday morning, prosecutors continued their discussion with Marquez about ComEd’s payments to contractors, who in turn paid several of Madigan’s 13th Ward campaign workers for do-nothing jobs. In addition to serving as speaker, Madigan was chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois and chairman of the 13th Ward Democratic Organization.
Late Tuesday afternoon, Marquez outlined a deal lobbyist Jay Doherty had with former 13th Ward Alderman Frank Olivo and precinct captain Ray Nice. ComEd paid Doherty’s company, which in turn paid Olivo and Nice about $4,000 per month. A deal with a separate consulting company, Shaw Decremer, was set up to pay 13th Ward precinct captain Ed Moody. The company’s namesake, Shaw Decremer, was a former Madigan campaign worker who became a lobbyist after he was accused of inappropriate behavior.
Doherty, Madigan co-defendant Michael McClain, former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore and former ComEd lobbyist John Hooker were convicted of conspiracy, bribery and falsifying records during the ComEd Four trial in 2023.
Before the jury was seated Wednesday, Madigan’s defense attorneys objected to prosecutors questioning Marquez about his feelings regarding certain subjects, but Judge John Robert Blakey said the defense would have an opportunity to address their issues when they cross-examined the witness.
Prosecutor Amar Bhachu said Tuesday that he expects Marquez to continue direct testimony until Thursday. The court is not in session on Fridays during the trial, and the courthouse will be closed on Monday Nov. 11, for Veterans Day.
