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*** UPDATE *** Click here to read the indictment.
* Sun-Times…
#BREAKING A federal grand jury has indicted Tim Mapes, the longtime chief of staff to former House Speaker Michael Madigan, on perjury and attempted obstruction of justice charges.
— Jon Seidel (@SeidelContent) May 26, 2021
The Mapes Q&A from his grand jury testimony March 31, 2021: pic.twitter.com/bEZmzklYEp
— Jon Seidel (@SeidelContent) May 26, 2021
Here's what the feds say was crucial to their investigation when they called Mapes in (Public Official A = Madigan, Individual B = Madigan confidant Michael McClain): pic.twitter.com/ilnbTHnBW6
— Jon Seidel (@SeidelContent) May 26, 2021
Today's indictment says Mapes and McClain continued to communicate after Mapes' ouster, though. pic.twitter.com/dx37XuAeal
— Jon Seidel (@SeidelContent) May 26, 2021
On March 31, the feds say "one of the things we were trying to figure out, Mr. Mapes, is whether or not — kind of a key issue for us is whether or not [McClain] acted as an agent for [Madigan]." Mapes says, "I don't know who you would go to other than [Madigan] and [McClain]." pic.twitter.com/MJjS03Bgv0
— Jon Seidel (@SeidelContent) May 26, 2021
To be updated.
…Adding… Tribune…
The charges allege Mapes repeatedly lied to the grand jury during an appearance on March 31 when asked about Madigan’s relationship with his longtime confidante Michael McClain, who has been charged with orchestrating the bribery scheme on behalf of ComEd to win Madigan’s assistance with state legislation.
Mapes lied to the panel even though he’d been granted immunity from prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and was told by the Chief U.S. District Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer that he must testify truthfully or possibly face criminal charges for perjury, according to the indictment.
The charges against Mapes marked the latest in a still-active investigation that also threatens to ensnare Madigan, who was the nation’s longest-serving state House leader before stepping down in January as pressure from the investigation was mounting.
Madigan has not been charged with wrongdoing.
* WBEZ…
The indictment is certain to create major ripples in the closing days of the Springfield legislative session, where ComEd and its corporate parent, Exelon, are trying to negotiate a new energy bill before a scheduled Monday adjournment that could include subsidies to keep its nuclear power plant fleet afloat.
…Adding… WBEZ…
The indictment went on to allege that Mapes lied to the grand jury about his knowledge of conversations McClain had in 2018 with two members of the House Democratic caucus, identified only as Public Official B and Public Official C.
The indictment alleges McClain told Mapes about the discussions but doesn’t detail their substance nor allege wrongdoing by those officeholders. WBEZ has confirmed those public officials to be state Rep. Bob Rita, D-Blue Island, and former state Rep. Lou Lang, D-Skokie.
“We have no idea who or what they’re talking about in this,” Rita told WBEZ in a statement Wednesday night. Rita did not respond to a question about whether he’d been asked to testify before a grand jury.
Lang did not respond to a message from WBEZ.
Mapes’ defense attorneys, Andrew Porter and Katie Hill, released a statement denying that Mapes lied to the grand jury.
“Tim Mapes testified truthfully in the grand jury,” they wrote. “His honest recollections — in response to vague and imprecise questions about events that allegedly took place many years ago — simply do not constitute perjury. This case, of course, is not about him — but about the government’s continued pursuit of his former boss. Tim Mapes has in no way engaged in obstruction of justice, and looks forward to prevailing at trial when all of the facts are aired.”
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 3:20 pm
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Maybe the Feds don’t need McClain
The Feds also know how to make itself known #EndOfSession
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 3:22 pm
Today is an up day.
Comment by Andersonville Right Winger Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 3:26 pm
If he got immunity, he couldn’t take the 5th.
He wanted to protect someone so badly he lied with immunity?
I am wondering what his lawyer is saying to him now…..
Comment by Fav Human Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 3:26 pm
Couldn’t happen to a nicer more humble guy.
Comment by Excitable Boy Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 3:28 pm
=== The indictment says Mapes received immunity and appeared before a federal grand jury March 31.===
Noted.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 3:28 pm
Well well well.
Comment by Nick Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 3:29 pm
So what, the feds know that Mapes knows the Person B did work for Madigan?
Comment by Perrid Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 3:30 pm
How to mess up a get out of jail free card. Dumb…dumb…dumb.
Comment by Lincoln Lad Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 3:31 pm
Hard to see how these guys got popped in the first place!
Comment by Disappointed Voter Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 3:34 pm
= So what, the feds know that Mapes knows the Person B did work for Madigan?=
Not only that: The feds believe they can prove it in court.
This makes me believe that there’s at least one cooperating witness behind this indictment.
Comment by Graybeard Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 3:38 pm
Noted.
Comment by Token Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 3:38 pm
A lot of the people in Madigan’s inner circle always seemed to carry themselves as if they were far smarter than the rest of the world, Mapes especially. The arrogance was often palpable.
Lying to a federal grand jury with immunity? Hard to be dumber than that. Any chance his pension is at risk if he gets convicted?
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 3:39 pm
Mapes is a good guy. This is sad. Half the people that will comment on this thread and those to come all acted like friends and now will throw stones. Fickle.
Comment by ;) Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 3:40 pm
So the Feds claim is he knew what McClain was doing for Madigan?
Comment by low level Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 3:40 pm
Got immunity and still lied.
That’s not even worthy of praise from Jimmy Conway. “I’m not mad, I’m proud of you. You took your first pinch like a man and you learn two great things in your life. Look at me, never rat on your friends and always keep your mouth shut.”
Comment by don the legend Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 3:40 pm
As they say
Play stupid games win stupid indictments
Comment by Nick Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 3:41 pm
Madigan: You’ll be fine Tim.
Comment by Columbo Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 3:42 pm
Tim, Tim, Tim, with what we’ve seen over the last several years, you know the Feds know the answers to the questions they’re asking and have the documents to prove it.
Comment by Norseman Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 3:42 pm
He is a manipulative weasel.
Comment by Amalia Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 3:43 pm
“The truth is, these are not very bright guys, and things got out of hand.”
=== “one of the things we were trying to figure out, Mr. Mapes, is whether or not — kind of a key issue for us is whether or not [McClain] acted as an agent for [Madigan].” Mapes says, “I don’t know who you would go to other than [Madigan] and [McClain].”===
Seemingly, the Feds wanted Mapes to be Cicci and make sure he can put Frankie Five Angels and Michael in a direct link.
Cicci told the truth.
Mapes got indicted for lying.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 3:44 pm
===This makes me believe that there’s at least one cooperating witness===
More likely, they got it from McClain wiretaps.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 3:45 pm
Another domino falls. You can’t get much closer to former Speaker Madigan than Mapes and McClain.
Comment by Manchester Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 3:46 pm
Everybody knew there were wire taps… and you still lie? Can’t bully your way out of this one Tim. Dumb… dumb… dumb. Do time, lose your pension — or, start telling them what you know.
Comment by Lincoln Lad Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 3:51 pm
Immunity comes at a high cost…for someone else.
Comment by Dotnonymous Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 3:51 pm
=== Everybody knew there were wire taps… and you still lie?===
Never lie to the Feds, especially after being granted immunity.
The rest is self inflicted, and if Mapes *forgot* about the wiretaps, that’s mind blowing.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 3:56 pm
Mapes, meet Fawell…
Comment by Commonsense in Illinois Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 3:57 pm
Note to Tim:
Public Official A won’t be able to control where you’ll do federal time. Not anymore….
Comment by Lincoln Lad Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 3:57 pm
Count 2 is interesting reading, too.
Comment by Keyrock Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 4:04 pm
==Half the people that will comment on this thread and those to come all acted like friends and now will throw stones.==
Has it ever occurred to you that people “acted like friends” to Mapes because it was literally impossible to move legislation in Illinois without going through him, and not because he is, as you claim, “a good guy”?
Comment by charles in charge Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 4:05 pm
I used to roll my eyes at the Madian as svengali stuff. But man, maybe the old guy really did have a hold on people
Comment by Sloop Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 4:07 pm
Is Michael Monico on speed dial? Will be curious as to the legal team for this crew. Interesting reading ahead.
Comment by Rudy’s teeth Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 4:10 pm
Still think that, absent perjury, any conviction of Madigan will go the way of former VA Gov. McDonnell’s conviction.
Comment by Anyone Remember Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 4:16 pm
“Half the people that will comment on this thread and those to come all acted like friends”
Nah, I’ve actually had to work for what I have. Get out of the 13th ward sometime, not everyone needs to lick a politician’s loafers to make their way in the world.
Comment by Larry Bowa Jr. Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 4:17 pm
Telling lies, even under immunity, obviously somehow felt less scary to Mapes than being the source of the truth. That’s really something to think about.
Comment by Responsa Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 4:19 pm
Who are Public Officials B and C?
Comment by low level Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 4:21 pm
“MAPES and Individual B also participated together in telephone conference calls with Public Official A and Public Official A’s staff during this period.”
Well the Feds have them all on a calls together when Mapes testified that he wasn’t talking to them. Looks open and shut on the perjury charge. Will be interested to see what shoe drops next.
Comment by 1st Ward Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 4:21 pm
If you gotta lie to the Feds: “I’m sorry, I don’t recall.”
– MrJM
Comment by @misterjayem Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 4:26 pm
“Mapes is a good guy”
Mapes is at the farthest outpost from a good guy. An arrogant bully is a fair commentary on the kind of guy Mapes is - literally hated by a huge majority of House Democrats, let alone GOP members. A mean spirited, petty man. Few tears will be shed when he goes to prison.
Comment by Indeed Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 4:29 pm
Perhaps I read the indictment too quickly, but isn’t there something circular about its reasoning. If McClain was telling people he was doing things at Madigan’s request, but he really wasn’t, and Mapes knew this was just McClain’s bluster, not the truth, Mapes isn’t lying. If he WAS doing things at Madigan’s request, but Mapes didn’t know it or believe it, thinking this was McClain’s bluster, then, again Mapes isn’t lying, he was just wrong. If McClain was doing things at Madigan’s request and Mapes knew it, then he was both lying and awfully stupid. Mapes is many things, but stupid isn’t one of them.
So the only way the Feds can prove Mapes was lying is to prove that McClain was acting as Madigan’s agent. But if they have the evidence to do that, they really don’t need Mapes.
Comment by Rasselas Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 4:33 pm
Was lying for Madigan worth the prison time Mapes faces now?
Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 4:34 pm
So he had immunity and he still lied? Now he has jeopardized his fat pension.
Comment by Just Me 2 Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 4:37 pm
A virtual certainty that Madigan will get indicted. And Mapes will do 18 months for lying to Grand Jury after a judge grants immunity. Game over.
Comment by Numbers matter Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 4:57 pm
In agreement @ Numbers matter…
Comment by Pizza Man Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 4:59 pm
=== A virtual certainty that Madigan will get indicted===
Maybe…
… it is telling that this indictment is about lying, and yet it seems even in March… the Feds are *still trying* to connect dots.
What will Mapes do now?
The Feds now are in a position to prove Mapes lied, but any closer to MJM in that?
“Watch what *does* happen”
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 5:04 pm
Rasselas @ 4:33 I was reading it the same way. The feds have a great track record but this seems to have some holes. But not everything is spelled out in the indictments.
Lots of bashing of Mapes stupidity on the immunity part but it reminds me of the scene in The Godfather when Tom Hagen talks to Frank Pantanglia (sp) before he was ready to testify.
Comment by Been There Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 5:12 pm
“So the only way the Feds can prove Mapes was lying is to prove that McClain was acting as Madigan’s agent”
Re-read the Grand Jury Investigation bullets. “whether individual B assisted Public Official A with matters concerning the Illinois House of Representatives….” Mapes said he had no knowledge of this taking place but the indictment says the Feds have Mapes, McClain, Madigan, and Madigan House Staff on calls discussing House business. This indictment is strictly about Mapes lying to the grand jury not about proving McClain was an “agent” for Madigan. The latter is what the Feds will ask Mapes about again and that information/cooperation determines the severity of Mapes punishment and where the investigation goes next.
Comment by 1st Ward Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 5:15 pm
If the Fed “had” Madigan- then they would indict Madigan. This is an attempted squeeze- because they don’t.
Comment by West Sider Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 5:17 pm
== Telling lies, even under immunity, obviously somehow felt less scary to Mapes than being the source of the truth. That’s really something to think about.==
I have had the same thought re: McClain. These are men in their sixties. They have wives and children and probably grandchildren. What money they have received acting in the Speaker’s behalf will evaporate with the legal fees they are looking at. And prison isn’t a nice place, especially at their age. They have nothing to gain and everything to lose.
Comment by Anon1 Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 5:22 pm
Anyone Remember - I agree with you. In light of the holding in McDonnell, I am still kinda surprised the Exelon agreed to the delayed prosecution agreement. It seems that Exelon was providing indirect support to advance its legislation much like McDonnell got indirect support.
Comment by TominChicago Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 5:23 pm
Mapes lied even though he had immunity. No matter how many times I hear that, it is still hard to process how dumb that was.
Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 5:28 pm
Boy, if this a squeeze play it’s not just Madigan that needs to be afraid given everything Mapes knows.
Comment by Sven Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 5:30 pm
The feds were counting on Mapes to show the connection between McClain and Madigan. That all goes bye-bye now. Without McClain cooperating and Mapes being tainted - the feds appear stuck. Sadly I’d call this a good day for the former Speaker.
Comment by Rutger Hauer Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 5:33 pm
No fan of Mapes, simple answer to any questions is I don’t remember. There is no way they can prove that you do remember.
Comment by retired 126 Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 5:35 pm
Throw this on top of the joke of a redistricting process by Dems this session and it might make a difference in 2022 but not counting on it
Comment by Etown Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 5:37 pm
== That all goes bye-bye now==
Not if they already have that connection on tape. If Mapes was lying about that, and the Feds have proof of that connection…welp, he made a poor decision. A very poor one. And it would by no means be an “up” day for the Speaker.
Comment by fs Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 5:41 pm
Another big thing I learned…
Seems as though a lotta people have been in front of the grand jury.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 5:43 pm
It seems to me that the disclosed Q&A reflects questions being asked that the feds already had supporting evidence to prove. This indictment is to pressure for more information about things Mapes has knowledge of but didn’t share or claimed to not remember. They’re still fishing… but not regarding the specific questions documented in the indictment.
Comment by Lincoln Lad Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 5:50 pm
He’s granted immunity and he still perjured himself and tries to obstruct justice? What corrupt arrogant stupidity. To say this couldn’t happen to a more deserving guy is the understatement of the decade.
Comment by God's Country Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 6:13 pm
Thank you, suburban House Democrats, who had enough of this and changed your party’s leadership. Right now Madigan and corruption would be a narrative the party does not need, as it works on things that really matter to many constituents, like expanding cannabis licenses, enshrining union rights and the rest.
Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 6:22 pm
=== Mapes is a good guy. This is sad. Half the people that will comment on this thread and those to come all acted like friends and now will throw stones. Fickle.===
Yeah, good guys usually lie to a Grand Jury regarding investigations into briberies of public officials by a utility company benefiting from legislation when the utility company paid a $200 million fine to make it go away.
Comment by AD Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 6:41 pm
We can totally trust these people to draw unbiased new maps for sure.
Comment by Just Me 2 Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 6:50 pm
“We can totally trust these people to draw unbiased new maps for sure.”
Pray tell, what is the involvement of Messrs. Mapes and Madigan in redrawing the maps?
Comment by Huh? Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 7:19 pm
=== We can totally trust these people to draw unbiased new maps for sure.===
You could write the same thing about anyone with the authority to draft the maps. This indictment doesn’t change that.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 7:31 pm
Public Official A “didn’t distribute information freely.” Which is why he may yet wriggle out from under all this a free man. And it is likely the understatement of the year. Had to chuckle as I read it. And while these clowns no longer have anything to do with drawing maps, you are being willfully blind if you think the entire cancer of corruption has been removed from the Democrat side of Illinois politics.
Comment by Captain Obvious Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 7:34 pm
This wouldn’t have been charged without very strong evidence. Likely a tape plus a cooperator, minimum.
Comment by Keyrock Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 7:48 pm
The feds got a sizzling headline out of Madigan’s former chief of staff indicted for perjury but the indictment’s description of their own investigation just sounds like them saying they are trying to criminalize a lobbyist talking to a politician and Mapes got popped for lying about legal conversations.
I am not a Madigan fan (called for him to resign for years before he did) but I agree with the commenter who said this feels like anything they could try to hit Madigan with based on what is publicly known would just get wiped out on appeal by the McDonnell case.
Comment by hisgirlfriday Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 8:00 pm
==I am not a Madigan fan (called for him to resign for years before he did) but I agree with the commenter who said this feels like anything they could try to hit Madigan with based on what is publicly known would just get wiped out on appeal by the McDonnell case.==
Yes, because federal prosecutors just LOVE to bring weak cases and lose.
Comment by well... Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 8:09 pm
= Mapes lied even though he had immunity. No matter how many times I hear that, it is still hard to process how dumb that was=
Seems dumb on the surfaces, but perhaps Mapes is more afraid of MJM than the Feds. Makes one wonder.
Comment by Donnie Elgin Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 8:19 pm
=Yes, because federal prosecutors just LOVE to bring weak cases and lose.=
You mean like Aaron Shock?
These guys aren’t all superstars.
Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 8:26 pm
well…
remember when they almost botched Blago’s case, a few times?
Comment by The House Rules Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 8:28 pm
@well…
I agree that federal prosecutors hate to bring weak cases and lose.
That’s my whole point. That might be what is explaining why they haven’t indicted MJM yet because what we know about publicly is a weak case under the McDonnell v. U.S. precedent where the Supreme Court practically legalized public corruption unless a prosecutor can show a politician accepting a briefcase of cash on the way to/from a bill signing/vote.
Comment by hisgirlfriday Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 8:55 pm
JS Mill, Schock wasn’t charged in the Northern District.
And the corruption investigation is being run by a superstar.
Comment by Keyrock Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 9:01 pm
It’s poetry that the bully who always thought he was the smartest guy in the room would lie under oath when he had immunity. Just *chef’s kiss*
However still not convinced they’ll get the big guy.
And it hasn’t been said enough how much the bravery of the suburban HDems may have saved the party. Could you imagine all of this going down while they are drawing the maps with MJM as speaker? Disaster.
Comment by K3 Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 9:14 pm
Can everyone finally have popcorn?
Comment by Excitable Boy Wednesday, May 26, 21 @ 11:00 pm
Today’s episode of the “Touchables”
Who knew?
Comment by A Guy Thursday, May 27, 21 @ 9:53 am
“… entire cancer of corruption has been removed from Illinois politics.”
Fixed it for ya.
You are willfully blind to think republican’t hands are clean.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, May 27, 21 @ 9:58 am
=== Yes, because federal prosecutors just LOVE to bring weak cases and lose.===
Which explains why Madigan hasn’t been indicted.
Comment by 17% Solution Thursday, May 27, 21 @ 10:00 am
Have to lols at all the commenters on this page that said MJM wouldn’t ever go down.
Comment by JP Altgeld Thursday, May 27, 21 @ 11:38 am
=== Have to lols at all the commenters on this page that said MJM wouldn’t ever go down.===
MJM was indicted? When?
Laughing has been known to give more oxygen to the brain.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, May 27, 21 @ 11:42 am
It was stupid for Mapes to lie given he had immunity.
What I find so objectionable is the fact that the Feds had tapes and calling Mapes to testify was not needed. The questions asked Mapes if answered honestly, would in no way incriminate Madigan.
The Feds just wanted to set a trap and hope Mapes would lie. Then they could indict Mapes and squeeze him to testify or “compose testimony” that would hurt Madigan.
Comment by MOON Thursday, May 27, 21 @ 11:57 am
Typical Fed Pros tricks. No fan of Mapes, but this is very questionable indictment substantively.
Comment by d. p. gumby Thursday, May 27, 21 @ 12:35 pm