A powerful Illinois Democrat has just been hit with a huge fine and a lengthy jail sentence after being convicted of corruption charges.
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.
The sentencing followed a months-long corruption trial.
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