Ex-ComEd leaders convicted of corruption ask to push back sentencing

[November 07, 2023]  By Brett Rowland | The Center Square

The Center Square) – The four former Commonwealth Edison leaders convicted earlier this year during a high-profile corruption trial want to push back sentencing dates to give them more time to address anticipated disputes.

The four former ComEd executives and lobbyists were convicted in May of a bribery scandal centered around former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.

Defense attorneys want to push back the sentencing dates from January 2024 to February 2024, according to court records.

A jury convicted former state lawmaker and lobbyist Michael McClain, former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore, former ComEd lobbyist John Hooker and former contract lobbyist Jay Doherty of a multi-year scheme to bribe Madigan with no-show jobs, contracts and payments to associates in exchange for support with legislation that would benefit the utility's bottom line.

McClain and Pramaggiore were convicted of nine counts of conspiracy, bribery and willfully falsifying books and records. Hooker and Doherty were convicted of six counts of conspiracy, bribery and willfully falsifying books and records.

"Defendants anticipate that there will be significant disputes concerning application of the sentencing guidelines, including with respect to the calculation of loss. Defendants believe the Court would benefit from briefing from all parties on this complex issue," according to the motion. "Moreover, because it is the Government’s burden to establish the application of certain loss enhancements, Defendants request the opportunity to respond to the Government’s arguments."

Former ComEd lobbyist Michael McClain walks down the street. (Photo: Brett Rowland)

At trial, prosecutors presented secretly recorded videos, wiretapped phone calls and hundreds of emails to show how the four former ComEd executives and lobbyists were "the grandmasters of corruption."

Prosecutors said that the utility paid out $1.3 million in jobs, contracts and payments to associates of Madigan over eight years in exchange for favorable treatment on legislation in Springfield that would affect the finances of the state's largest electric utility.

Defense attorneys said the four never bribed anyone and argued the conduct was legal lobbying, including efforts to build goodwill with elected officials.

Madigan, who resigned after losing the House speakership in January 2021, has been charged with 23 counts of racketeering, bribery, and official misconduct alongside McClain in a separate case that could go to trial in April 2024. Madigan has denied wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty.

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