* Tribune…
Six years ago, Anne Pramaggiore was still a rising star in Chicago’s male-dominated C-suite corporate world, the newly minted chief executive of Exelon, a major Fortune 100 energy company that delivered power to millions of customers in the Chicago area and beyond.
But her career went into free fall when it was revealed in 2019 that she and others at Exelon’s subsidiary, Commonwealth Edison, were under investigation in an elaborate scheme to bribe then-House Speaker Michael Madigan and win his help with the utility giant’s ambitious legislative agenda in Springfield.
On Monday, after years of delay, Pramaggiore’s long legal saga is finally coming full circle as a judge is set to sentence her for her conviction in one of the biggest political corruption scandals in state history.
Prosecutors are asking for a stiff prison term of almost 6 years and a $1.75 million fine, writing in a recent filing that despite all her success,, money and professional status, “she made the choice to participate in a years-long conspiracy that corrupted the legislative process in Springfield” and subverted her own company’s internal controls. […]
Her attorneys, meanwhile, argued for probation, writing in a court filing of their own that the conduct for which she was convicted was “a true aberration” in an otherwise exemplary life, not only in her professional path but also in her dedication to her family and charitable works. They also submitted nearly a hundred letters from friends and supporters attesting to her good character.
* The Tribune’s Jason Meisner is in the courtroom…
* Click here for some background. Sun-Times Courthouse Reporter Jon Seidel…
* Judge Shah said the sentencing guideline range for Pramaggiore is 108 to 135 months, though it is only advisory…
* Judge Shah also leveled a $750,000 fine…
She’s due in prison Dec. 1.
…Adding… Sun-Times…
U.S. District Judge Manish Shah delivered the sentence in a Chicago courtroom on Monday. He said Pramaggiore was “all in” on a “creative arrangement” to bribe Madigan and cover it up.
“This was corruption expressed through the falsification of books and records,” Shah said from the bench.
Pramaggiore declined to address the judge before he sentenced her.
…Adding… Tribune…
Pramaggiore, who turns 67 in two weeks, showed little outward reaction as U.S. District Judge Manish Shah announced his sentence, which also included a $750,000 fine. […]
“Pramaggiore could have remained silent, but instead chose to try to obstruct the jury’s process,” the prosecution filing stated. “Pramaggiore’s lies demonstrate a lack of integrity and
candor, and her interest in prioritizing her own self-interest over the truth.”
Her attorneys, meanwhile, argued for probation, writing in a court filing of their own that the conduct for which she was convicted was “a true aberration” in an otherwise exemplary life, not only in her professional path but also in her dedication to her family and charitable works. They also submitted nearly a hundred letters from friends and supporters attesting to her good character. […]
Pramaggiore is the second of the ComEd Four to be sentenced. Shah handed a 1 1/2-year prison term to Hooker last week. A hearing for McClain, a retired ComEd lobbyist who doubled as Madigan’s right-hand man, will be sentenced Thursday, while the fourth defendant, Doherty, is scheduled to be sentenced in August.
…Adding… Capitol News Illinois’ Hannah Meisel…
- Demoralized - Monday, Jul 21, 25 @ 12:34 pm:
This is truly deserved. But, I really have to wonder if they were to ask for a pardon from Trump whether he would give it to them. His history involving convictions like these would suggest that he would. I know Rich hates these sorts of predictions and I’m not trying to make a prediction but I would certainly be reaching out if I were her lawyer.
- Steve - Monday, Jul 21, 25 @ 12:39 pm:
Anne got a really good deal. If she plead she might not have gotten this sentence.
- Lincoln Lad - Monday, Jul 21, 25 @ 12:45 pm:
Anybody wish they’d taken a deal yet?
- Lincoln Lad - Monday, Jul 21, 25 @ 12:53 pm:
The line forms here for Trump meme coins. A pardon has nothing to do with philosophy, and alot to do with worthless investments.
- Baloneymous - Monday, Jul 21, 25 @ 1:18 pm:
If her prison has Netflix there is a show I would highly recommend if she hasn’t watched already.
- NorthSideNoMore - Monday, Jul 21, 25 @ 2:01 pm:
Fine was lower than expected, sentence about what was expected after the previous one. One would guess there will be appeal, but She is still young, get in, get out, get on with life, might be a thought process too?
- Carbonara - Monday, Jul 21, 25 @ 2:13 pm:
The corruption initiated by Madigan’s majority in the House has splashed all over people like Anne who I believe would not have committed acts like these had she not been forced to deal with this corrupt group to succeed at her job. This one is a shame.
- Ryder - Monday, Jul 21, 25 @ 3:06 pm:
Can someone explain why the four subcontractors did not get charged with any crimes? They get to keep the ill gotten ghost money…and no punishment. It doesn’t seem fair or right to me. Maybe I’m an outlier.
- Just Me 2 - Monday, Jul 21, 25 @ 4:12 pm:
I’m just waiting for Madigan to do Dancing with the Stars as part of his pardon campaign.
- Remember the Alamo II - Monday, Jul 21, 25 @ 4:17 pm:
=== Can someone explain why the four subcontractors did not get charged with any crimes? They get to keep the ill gotten ghost money…and no punishment. It doesn’t seem fair or right to me. Maybe I’m an outlier. ===
What crimes did they commit?