Madigan defense focuses on star witness credibility in corruption trial: 'Sly as a fox'

After nearly three months of testimony, the trial of former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan is approaching its conclusion as his defense attorney, Dan Collins, delivered closing arguments on Monday.

Collins focused on discrediting the federal government’s key witness, former Chicago Alderman Danny Solis, who secretly recorded conversations with Madigan as part of his cooperation agreement with prosecutors.

What we know:

Madigan and lobbyist Michael McClain are facing 23 felony counts, including allegations of arranging no-work contracts in exchange for legislative favors benefiting utility company ComEd.

Collins described Solis as "a malignant tumor at the heart of this case," accusing him of being untrustworthy and self-serving. "Solis is a stage actor… taking direction from the government."

"Mike only knew one side," Collins said, suggesting Madigan was unaware of Solis’ alleged criminal behavior, including shaking down developers for personal gain.

"There were two Danny Solis’," Collins told the jury. "(Mike) didn’t know how Solis was shaking down developers to get (erectile dysfunction) pills. You cannot trust Danny Solis. He’s got his own agenda and he's sly as a fox."

The defense also denied that Madigan traded legislation for favors, arguing that any no-work contracts were not bribes but rather instances of political recommendations unrelated to official actions.

"The fact that some of them did not work is aggravating… But they’re not part of a bribe. Mike did not recommend them in return for an official action," Collins said.

Collins also questioned McClain’s role, portraying him as using his relationship with Madigan to enhance his own status, mockingly referring to him as "Mr. Important."

Collins ended his closing argument by urging jurors to keep an open mind when they begin deliberations.

"Remember, just because the government said it, does not make it so. It’s your job to be the wall and hold them to that burden," Collins said.

What's next:

McClain’s defense attorney will present closing arguments Tuesday, followed by a rebuttal from federal prosecutors.

Jury deliberations are expected to begin Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday.

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