Michael Madigan will face a 7.5-year prison term and $2.5 million fine for bribery cases

A stunning downward spiral of Michael Madigan His political career ended Friday, ending with a $2.5 million fine for the longest legislative leader in US history after being convicted of a 7 1/2 year prison term and a former Illinois House Speaker of Representatives and trading laws for the wealth of friends and allies.

US District Judge John Robert Blakey sentenced him to 83 years old in U.S. District Court in Chicago.

Called the “Velvet Hammer” due to his quiet but hard style, Madigan was convicted in a surprising corruption trial that lasted four months in 10 of 23 counts in February. The incident was kicked out through mountains of documents, photographs and recorded conversations with 60 witnesses.

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Federal prosecutors sought a 12.5 year prison term. Madigan’s lawyers want five years of probation and say he’s going to do the right thing by taxpayers and needs to stay home to look after his sick wife, Shirley.

However, Blakey noted that the guidelines for federal ruling granted a 105-year term based on evidence findings. Blakey had a particularly hole in what he called a “nausea display.” Perjury and avoidance. ”

“You lied. You didn’t have to. You had the right to sit there and exercise your right to be silent,” Blakey said. “But you stood up and you took the law into your own hands.”

In a half-century legislative career, Madigan served nearly 40 years as the longest record speaker for US lawmakers. Combined over 20 years as chairman of the Illinois Democrats, he set many of the state’s political agenda while recruiting candidates for the Political Bureau. Often he controlled political cartography and drew lines to support his party.

Meanwhile, prosecutors said Chicago Democrats have developed a private legal career that allows them to accumulate a net worth of $40 million.

Madigan was convicted of 10 counts of bribery, conspiracy, wire fraud and other claims. Preferred Law He signed the public giant in exchange for kickbacks, occupations and contracts, including Chicago city councillors seeking paid jobs at the state commission after resigning from the government.

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The ju judge got stuck on six counts, including alleged conspiracy to a comprehensive assault, and seven others acquitted him.

Madigan spoke temporarily before the sentence and asked him to avoid prison so that he could take care of his wife and spend the last time with his family.

“I’m really sorry to leave the people of Illinois through this,” Madigan said. “I tried to do my best to serve the people of Illinois. I’m not perfect.”

During the three and a half hour hearing, Blakey noted numerous letters sent to court in favour of Madigan. The judge said Madigan was a good family, a kind person and helped his neighbor without pausing.

But he said, “It’s difficult to be great. It’s not that to be honest. It’s difficult to commit a crime. It actually takes effort.”

US lawyer Aide Sarah Streaker put the house into the fact that Madigan was not responsible for the crime or showed no regrets.

Streicker said Madigan, who spoke through seven governors, “had every opportunity to set honest government standards.” Instead, she said, “He fits perfectly with yet another corrupt leadership mold in Illinois.”

The defense attorney called the government’s recommended sentence “Draconians” and gave him a life sentence given Madigan’s age.

“He didn’t want to be greedy. He lived a very modest life…” said Madigan’s lawyer Dan Collins. “Rhetoric wants to turn to microphone to blame for Illinois’ long history of corruption. He’s not. He’s one man.”

They asked Blakey to consider the holistic nature of Madigan’s life and work and the need to care for his wife, who demands a five-year probation sentence.

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In a video filed in court, Shirley Madigan said her husband needs to go home.

“I really wouldn’t exist without him,” she said. “I wish I could say I would do it, but I don’t know what I’d do without Michael, and I probably have to find somewhere to live.

The one tested alongside Madigan was his former legislative colleague and longtime confidant Michael McClain. The ju umpire was unable to reach a decision on any of the six counts against McClain. However, he was convicted last year in another trial over a combed conspiracy.