* The Tribune…
On Tuesday, more than two years after his conviction in the “ComEd Four” bribery trial, [Jay Doherty] is finally set to learn his fate for his role in an elaborate scheme to funnel do-nothing subcontractor payments to associates of then-Speaker Michael Madigan in a bid to help ComEd’s legislative agenda in Springfield.
Doherty is the last of the four defendants to be sentenced in the landmark case, which has dragged on amid the death of the trial judge, fights at the U.S. Supreme Court and a review by the Trump administration of a law used by prosecutors to convict the four of cooking ComEd’s books.
Last month, former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore and lobbyist Michael McClain, who was one of Madigan’s closest confidants, were each sentenced to 2-year prison terms. Ex-ComEd executive John Hooker, meanwhile, was given a year and a half behind bars.
Prosecutors have asked U.S. District Judge Manish Shah to give Doherty 15 months in prison, arguing in a recent court filing that he was “integral” to the scheme because “he understood the reason for it (to provide monetary benefits to Madigan allies) and the benefits to ComEd from it, and allowed it to exist under his own contract with ComEd.”
* The Tribune’s Jason Meisner…
* US Attorney Sarah Streicker sticks with the 15 month prison sentence recommendation for Doherty. Jon Seidel…
* Doherty to Judge Shah…
* Judge Manish Shah: “This secret relationship between Mr. Madigan and ComEd … it wouldn’t have been a secret
without you”…
* Doherty’s sentence…
Doherty is due in prison Sept. 30.
- Big Dipper - Tuesday, Aug 5, 25 @ 12:14 pm:
Does Doherty have zero net worth because of what he owes his attorneys? He’s 71 and does not own property or have a retirement account or savings?
- Lincoln Lad - Tuesday, Aug 5, 25 @ 12:25 pm:
Longer sentence than I expected… he was the tool to accomplish what others devised. He still needed to say no all the same.
- Boone Logan Square - Tuesday, Aug 5, 25 @ 12:32 pm:
The year and a day (as opposed to just one year) makes Doherty eligible to get time off for good behavior. He might be out of prison by next July.
- Three Dimensional Checkers - Tuesday, Aug 5, 25 @ 12:32 pm:
Making the City Club President into a bagman is such a Chicago thing. The corruption is as innovative as the economy or a science. He might have made sure to spend the money he had on lawyers and family before today though.
- This Just in - Tuesday, Aug 5, 25 @ 12:38 pm:
Another criminal/grifter goes to prison. Is this even news any more.
Our Democracy suffered because these crooks don’t know right from wrong. A huge majority of the Capitol crowd played along. Shame on all involved. Most still do not truly understand that an organized crime syndicate operating under the Dome is outrageous.
- Amalia - Tuesday, Aug 5, 25 @ 12:49 pm:
such a short sentence but a life ruined despite the tiny punishment. forever tainted.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Aug 5, 25 @ 1:38 pm:
===Most still do not truly understand that an organized crime syndicate===
Madigan’s jury would disagree.