(The Center Square) – Former Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority CEO Juan Ochoa is expected to report to the witness stand today at the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and codefendant Michael McClain in Chicago.
Ochoa was appointed to ComEd’s board in 2019 after being recommended for the position by Madigan.
McPier, which was created by the Illinois General Assembly, owns Chicago’s Navy Pier, McCormick Place and the McCormick Square campus.
ComEd general counsel and Senior Vice President Tom O’Neill testified last month that he had expressed reservations about Ochoa to then-ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore, who favored Ochoa. Former ComEd executive Fidel Marquez testified earlier this month that Pramaggiore had a very good relationship with Madigan.
Pramaggiore, McClain and two others were convicted of bribery and racketeering in the ComEd Four case last year. During that trial, Ochoa testified that he regularly received updates from Madigan about his status.
Government attorneys indicated again Tuesday morning that they expect former Chicago Alderman Daniel Solis to testify sometime this week, as prosecutor Diane MacArthur suggested last week. Solis served as 25th Ward alderman from 1996 to 2019. He began cooperating with investigators in 2014.
Prosecutors and defense attorneys privately discussed issues related to Solis’ potential testimony before the jury was seated Tuesday morning. Court proceedings with the jury in place did not begin until 9:30 a.m.
Prosecutors, defense attorneys for both Madigan and McClain, and Judge John Robert Blakey agreed that court would not be in session on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31. The courthouse is closed Jan. 1, for the New Year’s Day holiday.
Madigan and McClain are charged with 23 counts of bribery, racketeering and official misconduct.