Mike Madigan trial: Secret wiretap calls played in court
CHICAGO - The corruption trial for former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan continued into its fourth day on Thursday.
As part of their case, federal prosecutors played phone taps and secret recordings for jurors.
In total, there are hundreds of audio clips, emails, and exhibits the jury will be presented with throughout the trial, which is expected to last 11 weeks.
Federal prosecutors argue that Madigan—once a political powerhouse—ran a ‘criminal enterprise,’ using his status in government for personal gain.
On Thursday, wiretap recordings were played for the jury, featuring conversations between Madigan, his confidante and co-defendant Michael McClain, secretaries, and other associates.
"If you can, get in your mind that your client is only Mike Madigan," McClain instructed in a secretly-recorded phone call that was played Thursday. "The only person you care about is Mike Madigan."
In another recording, McClain said: "I generally never refer to the speaker. I say ‘our friend.’ So, if you could say ‘our friend,’ no one really knows what we’re talking about."
Together, Madigan and McClain face 23 felony counts, including racketeering, bribery, wire fraud, and extortion.
"Sorry about that stupid Cullerton move," McClain said in a 2018 recording.
"Well, that’s what I want to talk to you about," Madigan replied.
In that recording from 2018, federal prosecutors said Madigan and McClain were discussing a political ad they weren't happy with.
The ad was reportedly put out by John Cullerton—former president of the Illinois Senate.
McClain then offered this suggestion: "Right now, I’d let the agents give him body blows. I mean, sooner or later, you’ve got to approach him and say it was ****ing really inappropriate."
McClain went on to say: "I mean, you’re a street fighter, I know you’ve got a law degree, but you’re more of a street fighter than anybody knows except maybe guys like me, and if you want to put the squeeze on the guy, you can hurt him pretty badly."
In other recordings, Madigan was heard asking others to handle tasks on his behalf, and in one instance, McClain instructed Madigan's assistant to "throw away" a note.
On the witness stand for much of Thursday afternoon while the tapes were played for the jury was FBI Special Agent Ryan McDonald, who has been working this case for years.
McDonald said there are upwards of 20,000 files in connection to McClain’s phone tap.
The trial is still in its early stages, with dozens of witnesses expected to testify.
Before jurors were sent home Thursday, Robert Rita, a member of the Illinois House of Representatives, was called to the stand. His testimony will resume on Monday.
Thursday marked the end of the first week of what is expected to be an 11-week trial.
Looking ahead to Election Day, U.S. District Judge Robert Blakey moved the start time to 11 a.m., allowing jurors to get to the polls before reporting to the courthouse.