NW Illinois News

Bradley Fritts, a representative for Illinois State House District 74, commented on the conviction of Michael Madigan, stating, "This verdict is a stark reminder of what happens when corrupt, unethical behavior runs rampant." He made this statement on Facebook on February 12.

"Today, justice was finally served for the people of Illinois as Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan was found guilty on 10 counts of conspiracy, bribery, and wire fraud," said Fritts, State Representative, according to Facebook. "This verdict is a stark reminder of what happens when corrupt, unethical behavior runs rampant in our state government. Unfortunately, the people of Illinois have become used to the pay-to-play corrupt system that has plagued our state government for years. My message to the people of Illinois is this: we are done playing games and submitting to the corrupt practices of the past."

According to Fritts' Facebook post, he emphasized that the people of Illinois do not have to accept corruption as the norm and can demand better from their elected officials. He expressed a renewed determination to pursue ethics reform in Illinois, despite numerous common-sense bills filed by House Republicans that the majority party has refused to bring to a vote.

Screenshot of State Representative Bradley Fritts Feb. 12 Facebook post | State Representative Bradley Fritts' Facebook page

Madigan's nearly four-month federal trial concluded on February 12 with a jury verdict, as reported by the Chicago Tribune. He was convicted of bribery conspiracy. Of the 23 charges against him, the jury deadlocked on 12 and was unable to reach a verdict on six charges against co-defendant Michael McClain. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled. Throughout the trial, more than 60 witnesses testified, and the jury reviewed nearly a decade's worth of evidence, including testimony from a former 25th Ward alderman who wore a wire and provided information to the FBI. Madigan took the stand during his trial, denying some schemes while explaining others.

Madigan could face up to 20 years in federal prison for each count of wire fraud and up to 10 years for each count of bribery. He also faces a maximum sentence of five years for conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States. According to a news release, Madigan was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, four counts of using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activity, three counts of wire fraud, and two counts of bribery.

Fritts is serving as the state representative for District 74 since January 2023. A lifelong resident of Illinois, he works as a substitute teacher and farms with his family when not in Springfield. He holds a bachelor's degree in agricultural and consumer economics from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.