Electric company lobbyists charged with trying to bribe Illinois official

November 19, 2020

Four former electric utility company executives face federal bribery charges after allegedly conspiring to “corruptly influence and reward” a high-level elected official in Illinois to help pass legislation favorable to the company.

Lobbyist Michael McClain, 73; former Commonwealth Edison Co. CEO Anne Pramaggiore, 62; former ComEd executive vice president of legislative and external affairs John Hooker,71; and consultant Jay Doherty, 67, were charged with bribery conspiracy, bribery and willfully falsifying ComEd books and records.

According to prosecutors, the four attempted to influence and reward Illinois Speaker of the House Michael Madigan, who controlled what measures were called for a vote in the Illinois House of Representatives and “exerted substantial influence over fellow lawmakers concerning legislation” between 2011 and 2019.

The indictment states that the four attempted to influence and reward Madigan by arranging for ComEd to offer jobs, contracts and outright payments to Madigan’s associates, including political allies and ward precinct captains who worked within Madigan’s district.

ComEd paid a $200 million fine related to the charges and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors after the allegations came to light.

Madigan has denied claims that he was influenced by the company’s executives and has not been charged with any crime.

Electric company lobbyists charged with trying to bribe Illinois official

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