Good afternoon, Chicago.
Former Illinois state Rep. Edward Acevedo must testify in the corruption trial of ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan, a federal judge ruled today, despite strenuous arguments from Acevedo’s attorney that he is not competent to take the witness stand.
Acevedo, 61, a Chicago Democrat who served on Madigan’s leadership team before leaving the legislature in 2017, has been a central figure in the case against Madigan. The ex-speaker is accused of inducing utility giants ComEd and AT&T Illinois to pay Acevedo nearly $150,000 on consulting contracts for little or no work.
Acevedo was granted immunity by the U.S. attorney’s office after indicating he’d invoke his constitutional rights against self-incrimination. His attorney then objected on health grounds, arguing Acevedo has been diagnosed with dementia and that his memory issues should preclude him from taking the stand.
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