Illinois Dem House Speaker Implicated in Corruption Probe

Illinois Democrat House Speaker Michael Madigan is the latest to be exposed for allegedly participating in his party’s culture of corruption.

According to Fox News:

Longtime Illinois House Speaker and state Democratic Party chairman Michael Madigan is facing calls for his resignation after federal prosecutors implicated him in an alleged bribery scheme, which has resulted in utility company ComEd agreeing to a $200 million fine.

Federal prosecutors said that utility company ComEd admitted to providing jobs or contracts “for various associates of a high-level elected official for the state of Illinois.” While Madigan’s name was not mentioned, a federal court filing identifies the official as the Illinois House speaker.

Prosecutors claim that the purpose of the alleged scheme was “to influence and reward the official’s efforts to assist ComEd with respect to legislation concerning ComEd and its business.” In a news release, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said that “Public Official A” influenced lawmakers regarding legislation that impacted ComEd. At this time, Madigan has not been charged and has not been formally accused of wrongdoing.

The $200 million fine for ComEd is part of a deferred prosecution agreement the company signed. The investigation of the alleged scheme continues, and a state Democratic Party spokeswoman confirmed that Madigan received subpoenas to turn over documents.

Just within the past month there was a seven day period in which seven Democrats were charged or plead guilty to corruption and fraud charges for a healthy “one per day” average.

In late June, New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal announced voter fraud charges against Councilman Michael Jackson and Councilman-elect Alex Mendez, two of the winners in Patterson’s recent ward council elections. The two were charged with voter fraud, specifically facing allegations that the duo violated state laws governing the way mail-in ballots are supposed to be collected and filled out.

Days former Cincinnati City Councilwoman Tamaya Dennard pleaded guilty to “honest services wire fraud” in federal court. As a result of her guilty plea, prosecutors dropped bribery and extortion charges against her.

Then, federal agents charged four Toledo city council members in connection to a bribery probe. City council members Tyrone Riley, Yvonne Harper, Larry Sykes, and Gary Johnson were accused of engaging in a years-long scandal. Criminal complaints filed in federal court allege that the four accepted multiple bribes and committed acts of extortion.

If the past is any indication of the future, expect more to come.