* Sun-Times…

The judge overseeing the case against a former AT&T Illinois executive accused of bribing ex-state House Speaker Michael J. Madigan declined Tuesday to schedule another trial, saying he first wants to hear arguments on a motion for acquittal.

U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman got back together with lawyers in the case of ex-AT&T Illinois President Paul La Schiazza five days after a jury failed to reach a verdict in the case. The panel heard from more than a dozen witnesses over four days earlier this month.

Defense attorney Tinos Diamantatos told the judge Tuesday he planned to file the motion for acquittal as soon as Friday, while prosecutors planned to ask for another trial date. But Gettleman said they’d be getting ahead of themselves by scheduling a new trial.

Rather, Gettleman said he planned to take a “serious look” at La Schiazza’s motion. He set oral arguments for Nov. 14.

…Adding… The Tribune…

Meanwhile, the oral arguments in La Schiazza’s case will land in the middle of Madigan’s own trial on racketeering charges, which kicks off in two weeks and could pose similar problems for prosecutors, particularly on several counts where they now have to prove there was an agreement with Madigan ahead of time to exchange something of value for an official act.

Gettleman alluded to the Madigan trial during Tuesday’s hearing, noting that it has “similar issues” to the one’s they were dealing with.

“Maybe we get some guidance from the (7th Circuit U.S.) Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court, who knows,” the judge said. “We certainly could use it.”

If there is a retrial, Gettleman said it would probably not happen until spring or summer of 2025, due to his schedule.