Megan Crepeau

Megan Crepeau writes about city violence and the justice system for the Chicago Tribune. Her work includes an award-winning investigation of courthouse dysfunction and coverage of high-profile cases such as the trial of former police officer Jason Van Dyke and the sex-crime charges against R. Kelly.

Five more jurors were chosen Thursday to hear evidence in the corruption trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan, but the sluggish pace of questioning is threatening to delay opening statements in the landmark case for another week.

Politics |
5 more jurors added in Madigan corruption trial, but judge again warns of slow pace

October 10, 2024 at 7:02 p.m.

Five more jurors were chosen Thursday to hear evidence in the corruption trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan, but the sluggish pace of questioning is threatening to delay opening...

After a long day of questioning, the first three jurors were chosen Wednesday to hear evidence in the trial of Michael Madigan, the former Illinois House speaker now facing sweeping charges of corruption and bribery.

Politics |
Three jurors selected so far to hear evidence in Madigan corruption trial

October 10, 2024 at 12:17 p.m.

After a long day of questioning, the first three jurors were chosen Wednesday to hear evidence in the trial of Michael Madigan, the former Illinois House speaker now facing sweeping...

El concejal de Chicago Daniel Solís llevaba un año en su sorprendente papel como espía del FBI cuando supuestamente llamó al político más poderoso de Illinois y lanzó tres pequeñas palabras que son prácticamente tabú en el léxico político del estado. Quid pro quo.

En Español |
A medida que comienza el juicio por corrupción de Madigan, la atención se centrará en tres palabras tabú: quid pro quo

October 9, 2024 at 9:38 a.m.

El concejal de Chicago Daniel Solís llevaba un año en su sorprendente papel como espía del FBI cuando supuestamente llamó al político más poderoso de Illinois y lanzó tres pequeñas...

The woman whose sexual harassment allegations against a Democratic political operative sent shockwaves through Springfield in 2018 will testify for the prosecution in the trial of ex-House speaker Michael Madigan -- though details about the alleged misconduct will be kept from the jury.

Politics |
Woman who reported sex harassment in Madigan camp to testify at ex-speaker’s racketeering trial

October 10, 2024 at 12:17 p.m.

The woman whose sexual harassment allegations against a Democratic political operative sent shockwaves through Springfield in 2018 will testify for the prosecution in the trial of ex-House speaker Michael Madigan...

U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey, who will oversee the Madigan trial, is viewed as well-suited for complex RICO cases even apart from his family pedigree.

Politics |
Judge known as ‘Son of RICO’ will use expertise overseeing Madigan trial

October 10, 2024 at 12:16 p.m.

U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey, who will oversee the Madigan trial, is viewed as well-suited for complex RICO cases even apart from his family pedigree.

The United States v. Michael Madigan and Michael McClain is one of the biggest public corruption cases ever brought in Illinois.

Politics |
Breaking down the charges in the Michael Madigan indictment

October 7, 2024 at 6:13 p.m.

The United States v. Michael Madigan and Michael McClain is one of the biggest public corruption cases ever brought in Illinois.

Key issue in Madigan's highly anticipated racketeering trial: did he know ahead of time that private benefits for himself or his friends were being exchanged for official acts?

Politics |
As Madigan corruption trial kicks off, focus will be on those three taboo words: quid pro quo

October 7, 2024 at 11:22 a.m.

Key issue in Madigan's highly anticipated racketeering trial: did he know ahead of time that private benefits for himself or his friends were being exchanged for official acts?

Michael Madigan's legacy will be on the line this week in one of the most anticipated public corruption trials in Illinois history.

Politics |
After storied time as the ‘Velvet Hammer,’ Michael Madigan to face a jury

October 7, 2024 at 10:35 a.m.

Michael Madigan's legacy will be on the line this week in one of the most anticipated public corruption trials in Illinois history.

A federal judge on Wednesday denied a motion to toss out key charges against former House Speaker Michael Madigan in light of the U.S. Supreme Court's recent ruling tightening the federal bribery statute.

Crime and Public Safety |
Madigan trial on track as defense makes late bid to bar discussion of corrupt pols secretly taped by Ald. Solis

October 4, 2024 at 11:34 a.m.

A federal judge on Wednesday denied a motion to toss out key charges against former House Speaker Michael Madigan in light of the U.S. Supreme Court's recent ruling tightening the...

After La Schiazza mistrial, all eyes turn to Madigan's own trial on racketeering charges, which kicks off in less than three weeks and could pose similar problems for prosecutors.

Crime and Public Safety |
With jury deadlock ending La Schiazza trial, prosecutors in looming Madigan case face clear challenge

October 4, 2024 at 11:34 a.m.

After La Schiazza mistrial, all eyes turn to Madigan's own trial on racketeering charges, which kicks off in less than three weeks and could pose similar problems for prosecutors.

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