Convicted ex-Illinois House speaker faces ‘firm’ federal judge at sentencing

(The Center Square) – Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s fate is in the hands of a federal judge.

Madigan’s sentencing on 10 counts of corruption is scheduled Friday afternoon, June 13, at the Everett McKinley Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago, with Judge John Robert “Jack” Blakey presiding.

Darryl A. Goldberg, a criminal defense lawyer with a practice focused on federal cases, said both sides will make arguments Friday, but Blakey has absolute discretion.

“He’s a very intelligent man and thoughtful man and, as you point out, firm. He’s decisive in his rulings,” Goldberg told The Center Square.

Goldberg said Blakey has a lot of experience with public corruption laws.

“His father did draft the RICO statute. He was a law professor at Notre Dame. He also has his own considerable experience at the state and federal level,” Goldberg said.

Prosecutors have recommended that Madigan, D-Chicago, be sentenced to 12.5 years in prison and pay a maximum fine of $2.5 million.

Defense attorneys said Madigan should be sentenced to one year of home confinement, plus probation and community service.

Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, said it is unfortunate that Illinois is at the forefront when it comes to unethical behavior instead of leading with a strong economy.

“This has just got to end. Almost 50 years, so a full era of crooked politics and it’s time the judges make an example,” McCombie told The Center Square.

Goldberg said the judge has a lot to consider.

“You’re going to look at circumstances of the offense, the need of a sentence to reflect the seriousness of it, promote respect for the law, provide just punishment, provide deterrence,” Goldberg said.

Goldberg said he expected the government to focus on general deterrence rather than deterrence specific to the 83-year-old Madigan.

“You need to generally deter other public officials, politicians, from committing a crime that’s been alleged and prosecuted here,” Goldberg said.

Goldberg said there would also be comparisons to other public corruption cases.

During his most recent hearing in court Tuesday, Madigan affirmed under oath that he had had enough time to review pre-sentencing documents and that he was satisfied with his legal representation.

Blakey said sentencing technically began Tuesday but suggested that Friday’s hearing would take time, noting a “full” schedule.