The number of former powerful Illinois politicians who end up in prison is an anomaly, as it seems to be a far more frequent occurrence in that state compared to all others.
That was evidenced again this week, as the New York Post reported that former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan was sentenced to 7.5 years in prison after a corruption trial that lasted for months.
The former Illinois speaker, who was also the longest-serving legislative leader in U.S. history, was slapped with a $2.5 million fine on top of his prison sentence.
Madigan was ultimately convicted of trading legislation for the enrichment of his friends and allies -- not necessarily an uncommon outcome in Illinois politics.
The 83-year-old former lawmaker was sentenced this week in a Chicago courtroom by U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey .
Madian was convicted back in February on 10 of the 23 counts he faced. The case, which lasted four months and involved more than 60 witnesses included "mountains of documents, photographs and taped conversations."
Ex-Illinois House speaker Michael Madigan — the longest-serving legislative leader in US history — sentenced in corruption case https://t.co/Z4oWB2cxrt pic.twitter.com/EE4SUGlNx7
— New York Post (@nypost) June 14, 2025
The Post noted:
Madigan’s attorneys wanted five years’ probation, saying he is a good man who tried to do right by taxpayers and needs to be home to care for his ailing wife, Shirley, who submitted a videotaped statement to the court requesting her husband be able to come home.
The judge pointed out that he witnessed a "nauseating display" of perjury and evasion when Madigan took the stand in his own defense.
"You lied. You did not have to. You had a right to sit there and exercise your right to silence," Blakey said. "But you took the stand and you took the law into your own hands."
Users across social media reacted to the news of Madigan's sentence, with many applauding the judge, even though it's been some time since he's been in office.
"Well, better late than never, I suppose," one X user wrote.
Another X user wrote, "There you have a major component of Illinois corruption over 50 years in nutshell called Michael Madigan.
It'll be interesting to see who the next current or former Illinois politican is to be convicted and sentenced -- it's definitely coming.
