Madigan found guilty on 10 counts; jury renders no verdict on six counts against McClain

CHICAGO — A federal jury has found former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan guilty on 10 counts of bribery conspiracy, bribery and wire fraud. However, the jury found him not guilty of seven counts and was deadlocked and could not reach a verdict regarding six other counts against Madigan and his long-time ally, Michael McClain of Quincy.

Attorneys for both men agreed to accept a partial verdict on 17 counts and move for a mistrial on the other 12 — six each against Madigan and McClain.

Madigan was found guilty on 10 counts related to Chicago-based power company ComEd and efforts to secure a state board seat for a former Chicago alderman. He was found not guilty — or there was no verdict — on a racketeering conspiracy count related to Chicago real estate and AT&T.

No verdict reached against any count against McClain, who was found guilty on nine counts of bribery and bribery conspiracy along with three others involving ComEd in May 2023.

Starting Oct. 7, the jury heard from more than 60 witnesses and endured a full week of closing arguments before beginning deliberations on Jan. 29 that ended Wednesday morning. Deliberations lasted about 65 hours.

McClain spoke to the media outside the after the trial, saying “My head is spinning.”

When asked if he was surprised when they read the verdict, he responded “I was surprised when I was indicted!”