In Tuesday’s filings, the four defendants asked U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber to dismiss several charges—including bribery conspiracy—and argued the U.S. attorney improperly portrayed routine policy and job recommendations as violations of federal bribery statutes.
“In bringing this indictment, the government attempts to . . . criminalize conduct that has long been legal and that is utterly routine—hiring someone at the recommendation and request of a public official,” the filing argues. “The government does not allege any connection between the jobs and any actions by the public official. . . .Adopting the government’s view would put huge numbers of American citizens at risk of prosecution for their ordinary participation in the political process.” (Read the full filing below.)
Though he hasn’t been charged with a crime, Madigan has been implicated in a scheme in which the utility is accused of giving Madigan’s associates no-work jobs while the utility hoped to garner Madigan’s support for ComEd-friendly legislation in Springfield.
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