Madigan trial delayed until October for SCOTUS review of bribery statute

 

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan exits the Dirksen Federal Courthouse in Chicago Wednesday afternoon. A judge granted Madigan’s motion to delay his bribery and racketeering trial from April 1 to October 8, after the U.S. Supreme Court’s review of another bribery case. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Andrew Adams)
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan exits the Dirksen Federal Courthouse in Chicago Wednesday afternoon. A judge granted Madigan’s motion to delay his bribery and racketeering trial from April 1 to October 8, after the U.S. Supreme Court’s review of another bribery case. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Andrew Adams)

CHICAGO, Ill. (CNI) — A federal judge has granted a defense request to delay former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s bribery and racketeering trial.

Capitol News Illinois reports the trial will now begin October eighth.

Madigan’s legal team argued the U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to review another political bribery case this year – and that could affect the outcome of his.

But prosecutors pointed to the public’s right to see a speedy trial, as Madigan was indicted nearly two years ago – and called the request a delay tactic.

Parties argued in front of U.S. District Court judge Robert Blakey Wednesday afternoon. Blakey has yet to rule on Madigan’s March 2023 motion to dismiss the charges against him.

By HANNAH MEISEL for Capitol News Illinois

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of print and broadcast outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.

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