South Cook News

John Curran, a senator for Illinois State Senate District 41, has commented on the mixed verdicts in the Michael Madigan case. In a Facebook post dated February 12, he said, "Reforming the legislative process must be a top priority in this legislative session."

"The jury has spoken, and the deeply entrenched culture of corruption that has dictated public policy at the expense of Illinois taxpayers must be addressed," said Curran, State Senator, according to Facebook. "Accountability and transparency in public policy decisions are non-negotiable and reforming the legislative process must be a top priority in this legislative session. We will continue to advocate for our aggressive ethics reform proposals to help restore trust with the People of Illinois."

According to Capitol News Illinois, the Facebook post highlighted the verdict in former House Speaker Michael Madigan's federal trial for corruption, bribery, and conspiracy. After extensive deliberation over two weeks and a nearly four-month trial, the jury found Madigan guilty on 10 of 23 counts. The jury deadlocked on six charges and acquitted him of seven others. He was convicted of three separate bribery counts, wire fraud, and Travel Act violations. One of the deadlocked charges was a racketeering count.

Screenshot of State Senator John Curran's Feb. 12 Facebook post. | State Senator John Curran's Facebook page

The U.S. Department of Justice announced Madigan's conviction in a news release also dated February 12. A sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled; however, Madigan could face up to 20 years in federal prison for each count of wire fraud and up to 10 years for each bribery count. Additionally, he could face a maximum sentence of five years for conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States.

According to The Center Square, the Illinois Policy Institute is urging Madigan to return pension payments to the state. Since his retirement in 2021, Madigan has received nearly $600,000 in pension payments. The Institute argues that under state law he is required to repay these funds.

Curran has represented Illinois' 41st District since 2017. Prior to this role, he served three terms on the DuPage County Board as Vice Chairman and worked in the Cook County Attorney’s Office for 19 years during the 1990s.