3 years, 4 months ago by Associated Press / Scott Hardy
Mike McClain entered that plea Tuesday in Federal court in Chicago
A long-time Quincy resident, and close associate of Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, has pleaded Not Guilty to Federal charges that he helped orchestrate a bribery scheme with Commonwealth Edison.
Former State Representative and lobbyist Mike McClain and three other people all entered that plea Wednesday at their arraignments in U.S. District Court in Chicago. McClain and the others were indicted in November on nine counts of bribery and conspiracy. The indictment says that the alleged scheme had the utility provide do-nothing jobs to Madigan loyalists in exchange for the speaker’s help with legislation. It alleges that over $2 million in payments were made to a company run by one of the defendants. McClain served with Madigan in the House in the 1970s and early 1980s before becoming a lobbyist. He's free on a $10,000 recognizance bond.
A status hearing is set for February 16th.
