Secretly recorded videos are at the heart of a corruption case against the longest-serving lawmaker

CHICAGO (AP) – Hours of secretly recorded video and phone calls have provided a rare glimpse into how America’s longest-serving law enforcement leader operated behind closed doors.

As the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan continues into its third month, evidence has covered many of his alleged schemes, from a shooting involving a large state corporation to a Chinatown development that benefited his private tax firm.

Jurors heard from the congresswoman, former state legislators and the government’s star witness: a former Chicago alderman who secretly wore a phone.

Here’s a closer look at the ongoing trial:

Cases

Madigan, who has been Speaker for more than three decades, has been indicted on 23 counts of bribery, fraud, embezzlement and other crimes.

Prosecutors say he used his unparalleled power not only as speaker of the Illinois House but also as head of the state’s Democratic Party for personal gain and to amass more power. A tax lawyer, he is also accused of benefiting from private work that was directed to his law firm illegally.

The case showed how Madigan operated, the lines between his political and personal roles intertwined.

For example, meetings were often held at his law office in the city, whether political or legal. Elected officials or his political advisers were often present close to business connections. Even in meetings about tax work, he was called “the speaker,” the tapes show.

In one 2014 meeting that was secretly recorded by a businessman who was also working undercover, a City Council member introduced Madigan to hotel developers about the Chinatown project. Madigan established the business of his firm.

“We are not interested in quick executions here. We are interested in a long-term relationship,” said Madigan. “In terms of the level of representation you get from this law firm, we don’t take second place to anyone. “

After that, the elder told the businessman: “If he works with the speaker, he will find whatever he needs in that hotel.”

Witness the star

One of the most anticipated parts of the trial was the testimony of former Chicago Alderman Danny Solis. A council member for 23 years, Solis led the powerful design committee.

As Madigan sought business for his tax firm, Solis met with Madigan about projects in the alderman’s ward, which included Chinatown and the trendy West Loop area near downtown.

But unknown to everyone – including his family – Solis was working for federal agents, recording meetings and phone calls.

“It was important that the undercover work I was doing remained secret,” said Solis, 75, testifying in court.

He told jurors that federal agents approached him in June 2016 and he agreed to cooperate to avoid prison on charges including bribery.

However, Solis can be a problematic witness.

She faced major financial problems, marital problems after an affair and a moral breakdown, including accepting favors from a developer who arranged for Solis to receive Viagra and “sex-altering” massages. He also revealed that he acted on the requests of federal agents, including suggesting that Madigan appoint him to the board after he leaves office.

Defense attorneys have called Solis dishonest and criticized his financial misconduct, including misappropriation of campaign funds for a trip to Puerto Rico, his son’s school fees and a car.

“As an alderman and as chairman of the zoning committee, you have committed many crimes, is that right?” Madigan’s attorney Daniel Collins asked Solis during cross-examination.

“Yes,” said Solis.

Other witnesses included U.S. Attorney Nikki Budzinki, who testified about Madigan’s influence in 2018 while serving as an adviser to Gov. JB Pritzker.

Recorded

Some of Solis’ videos are shaky and it’s unclear how he filmed them. There are extended videos of the ceilings and walls of the offices. Most calls are short.

But they show how Madigan, who famously didn’t have a cell phone or email, worked.

In January 2018, Madigan called Solis and asked him about a proposed apartment building in the West Loop.

“Will that continue? “You know why I’m interested,” Madigan said.

Solis asks if Madigan knows the developers.

“No, but I would like to,” he said.

Solis told jurors that Madigan’s influence would be helpful to him, so he offered to testify.

“I wanted to curry political favor with Mr. Madigan,” Solis told jurors.

Schemes

An intense public corruption investigation in Illinois has already resulted in the convictions of other elected officials and Madigan’s former chief of staff.

Among other initiatives, Madigan is accused of using his power to pass legislation in favor of the electric company ComEd. In return, ComEd allegedly gave Madigan supporters kickbacks, contracts and jobs when they did little or no work.

“When Madigan saw an opportunity to enrich himself, he took it,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Streicker told jurors.

Defense attorneys have painted Madigan as a dedicated public servant, calling him “incorruptible.”

Madigan, who has “vehemently denied” wrongdoing in the past, has not spoken publicly during the trial. He spends the trial watching witnesses and judges carefully, often taking notes. Family members including his daughter, former Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, went to court.

He also went on trial with Madigan, Michael McClain, 76, who has been found guilty in another related case. Last year, a federal jury convicted McClain and three others in a bribery conspiracy involving ComEd.

The trial is expected to continue in mid-January.