Judge rules former state rep. should testify in former speaker’s corruption trial

[December 12, 2024]  By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square

(The Center Square) – A federal judge ruled Wednesday that former state Rep. Eddie Acevedo, D-Chicago, is required to testify at the public corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and codefendant Michael McClain. 

A frame from undercover video captured July 18, 2017, featuring former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan presented to a jury during Madigan's corruption trial Monday, Nov. 25, 2024.

Judge John Robert Blakey denied defense attorneys’ motion to quash Acevedo’s subpoena Wednesday morning. Blakey said the court considered the entire record and pointed to the distinction between the credibility of the witness and competency to testify.

Blakey told Acevedo he could not refuse to answer any questions that might incriminate him because he would testify with immunity. Blakey then instructed Acevedo to return to court Monday morning.

Government attorneys have introduced evidence that showed that Acevedo was paid by ComEd and AT&T for do-nothing jobs. In a separate case, Acevedo was sentenced in 2022 to six months in prison for tax evasion.

Before the judge announced his decision, attorneys continued to debate Acevedo’s competence as a witness. Defense attorneys for both Madigan and McClain reiterated their position that Acevedo was not fit to testify. Acevedo’s attorney argued that she came to learn that Acevedo’s dementia symptoms would come and go, leading him to appear fine at times. She said he might remember things from his childhood but forget more recent events.

Prosecutors said Acevedo was clearly lucid and cooperative when he answered questions in Blakey’s chamber Tuesday afternoon. Blakey had suggested that the parties consider Rule 15 video testimony from Acevedo as a backup in case the former lawmaker became contentious, but defense attorneys suggested Wednesday morning that the video testimony would not be necessary.

Attorneys reported to the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago by 8:30 a.m. as instructed by the judge. Acevedo did not show up at the courthouse until about 9:30 a.m.

AT&T executive Deno Perdiou was expected to return to the witness stand Wednesday but will not due to a personal issue. Perdiou testified Tuesday afternoon about carrier-of-last-resort legislation in the General Assembly related to AT&T. Perdiou said several COLR relief bills failed before AT&T officials had a meeting with Madigan in 2017.

Madigan and McClain are charged with 23 counts of bribery, racketeering and official misconduct.