East Central Reporter

Federal prosecutors have provided an update in the corruption trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan, alleging that Madigan lied under oath during his testimony. Adam Niemerg, the representative for Illinois’ 102nd District, reported this development.

"A new update in the Madigan trial: Federal prosecutors say the ex-Speaker lied repeatedly while on the witness stand," said Adam M. Niemerg, State Representative for 102nd District (R), according to Facebook.

According to an NBC Chicago report, federal prosecutors have not filed new charges against Madigan. However, the allegations could potentially lead to a perjury indictment. These claims are part of the prosecutors' efforts to block Madigan's motion for a new trial or for a judge to overturn the jury’s verdict. Prosecutors allege that Madigan lied on the stand and subsequently lied about those lies. They argue in their filing that "although the government’s evidence amply supports the verdict, Madigan’s lies on the witness stand gave the jury additional reason to find that he acted with corrupt intent."

Screenshot of State Representative Niemerg's May 2 Facebook post | State Representative Adam Niemerg's Facebook page.

In a 137-page filing, prosecutors argued that evidence "overwhelmingly proved" Madigan's guilt and said that his motion for a judgment of acquittal "ignores the overwhelming evidence presented over 11 weeks of trial and the deferential standard that must be applied." The filing asserts that Madigan was convicted with ample evidence on all charges for which he was found guilty and maintains that no errors in the trial record compromised his rights. According to prosecutors, the jury found Madigan guilty on ten charges, not guilty on seven, and did not reach a verdict on six others.

In March, federal prosecutors informed U.S. District Judge John Blakey of their plan to seek $3.1 million in restitution from Madigan. However, according to an April 28 NPR report, they have since dropped this plan. Madigan's sentencing is scheduled for June 13, and he may face prison time as a result of these proceedings. Consequently, the forfeiture hearing set for June 9 may be canceled. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Streicker said: "This decision is independent from any other issue or briefing in this matter." She added that "the government’s position in this filing relates solely to forfeiture and not to any other issue in the case."

Niemerg has served in the Illinois General Assembly since January 2021 and resides in Dieterich with his family. Outside of his legislative duties in Springfield, Niemerg works as a senior claims adjuster with Country Financial and is involved with the Farm Bureau.