Former Madigan counsel to testify Wednesday

[January 16, 2025]  By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Michael Madigan’s defense team is nearing the end of its case at the former speaker’s federal bribery and racketeering trial in Chicago.

Former Madigan legal counsel Heather Wier Vaught is expected to testify Wednesday after defense attorneys call FBI Special Agent Ryan McDonald back to the witness stand. McDonald previously testified twice on behalf of the government.

Before the jury entered the courtroom Wednesday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane MacArthur raised potential issues regarding the questioning of Wier Vaught. MacArthur brought up communication between Wier Vaught and former Madigan aide Will Cousineau after Madigan codefendant Michael McClain’s house had been searched by federal investigators.

MacArthur said Wier Vaught also reached out to former state Rep. Eddie Acevedo, D-Chicago, asking if Acevedo had a lawyer.

MacArthur cited Wier Vaught’s tight connection with Madigan, saying Wier Vaught was his personal lawyer in addition to serving in the speaker’s office for years.

Madigan attorney Dan Collins said it would be “unfair” to allow MacArthur’s suggested questioning and cited its minimal probative value. Collins said defense lawyers are allowed to conduct investigations, too.

Judge John Robert “Jack” Blakey asked MacArthur about probative value. MacArthur said it goes to Wier Vaught’s bias and her association with Madigan.

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and then legal counsel Heather Wier Vaught during a news conference at the Illinois State Capitol on Feb. 13, 2018 - Greg Bishop | The Center Square

Attorneys also disputed Madigan defense attorneys’ attempts to impeach the testimony of former Chicago Alderman Daniel Solis, who was a cooperating witness for the government. Blakey said he would permit a question about Solis’ contact with a member of the media.

Collins suggested Tuesday that the Madigan team expects to rest its case before the end of the week. Prosecutors are slated to follow with a rebuttal case. Closing arguments are expected to begin next Wednesday, Jan. 22.

Madigan and McClain are charged with 23 counts of bribery, racketeering and official misconduct in connection with a scheme that federal prosecutors referred to as "Madigan Enterprise."

Prosecutors allege that ComEd and AT&T Illinois gave out no-work or little-work jobs and contract work to those loyal to Madigan to get legislation passed that would benefit them in Springfield. Four ComEd executives and lobbyists were convicted in 2023 in a related trial, and ComEd itself agreed to pay $200 million in fines as part of a deferred prosecution agreement with prosecutors.