Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan reports to prison
The man once known as the most powerful politician in Illinois is trading his suit for prison stripes. Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan reported to prison on Monday to begin his 7 ½-year sentence on corruption charges.
The U.S. Bureau of Prisons confirmed Madigan reported to the minimum security prison camp in Morgantown, West Virginia..
Madigan, 83, has to serve at least 85 percent of his sentence, which means he will be about 90 years old when he's eligible for release.
CBS News Chicago Legal Analyst Irv Miller said there could be some considerations for his age and undisclosed health issues that could shorten his sentence even further.
For example, former Chicago Ald. Ed Burke was released from prison less than halfway through is 2-year sentence for corruption charges earlier this year, and was placed on "community confinement," allowing him to complete his sentence either in a halfway house or under house arrest.
Madigan can also participate in programming to reduce his sentence. Miller said Madigan could get out of prison in as little as three years.
Madigan held the position of House speaker for 36 years and was convicted on bribery, conspiracy, and fraud charges. He also faces a $2.5 million fine. Madigan was convicted of a plot to arrange for cushy no-show ComEd jobs for his allies in exchange for his support on legislation that benefitted the utility giant.
Prosecutors also accused Madigan of pressuring real estate developers to hire his private law firm, which specializes in property tax appeals.
Alan Ellis, author of the federal prison guidebook, said he was surprised that an inmate like Madigan was sent to a medical prison facility. But he said the low-security Morgantown camp would be Madigan's best option.
"There's more to do for inmates at the camps, at the camps like Morgantown — the standalone camps — than there are at the satellite camps," Ellis said.
But Miller explained that all of Madigan's movements in prison will be monitored by the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
His telephone calls are limited to 300 minutes a month and those are monitored. Prison officials also will read his mail.
He'll also be expected to get a prison job, but it will be a far cry from his career in Springfield.
"If their health allows, they're required to do work, and frankly, the job that he would probably get would be in a prison library. He won't be, you know, the plumber, the painter, you know, the cook. That won't happen to him, but the pay is not too good. You know, you get anywhere from like 30 cents an hour to 90 cents an hour, depending on the work that you do. Not something that he's used to this stage of his life," Miller said.
Earlier this month, a federal appeals court denied Madigan's bid to remain free while appealing his conviction.
Miller said his best and only chance left at not having to serve his sentence before an appeals court decides his case would be a presidential pardon or commutation.