Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan Sentenced to 7.5 Years for Corruption

Michael Madigan, the longest-serving legislative leader in U.S. history, was sentenced Friday to seven and a half years in prison and fined $2.5 million following his conviction on 10 federal corruption charges. The case exposed a pay-to-play scheme involving legislative favors traded for kickbacks and contracts, especially with utility giant ComEd.

U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey condemned Madigan’s “nauseating display of perjury and evasion,” rejecting defense pleas for probation despite the defendant’s advanced age and his wife’s health concerns. Prosecutors had sought a harsher 12.5-year sentence, underscoring the magnitude of his misconduct.

Known as the “Velvet Hammer” for his discreet yet firm control over Illinois politics, Madigan quietly built a $40 million fortune through his private law practice while steering the state Democratic agenda for nearly 40 years. His apology in court did little to convince prosecutors, who called him “yet another corrupt leader in Illinois.”

The sentencing marks a significant turning point in a state historically marred by political corruption.