Fact Check: Federal prosecutors sought a 12 1/2-year prison term for Michael Madigan, while his attorneys requested five years' probation.

Fact Check: "Federal prosecutors sought a 12 1/2-year prison term for Michael Madigan, while his attorneys requested five years' probation."

What We Know

Michael Madigan, the former Illinois House Speaker and the longest-serving legislative leader in U.S. history, was sentenced to 7 1/2 years in prison for corruption-related charges. During the sentencing hearing, federal prosecutors indeed sought a 12 1/2-year prison term, citing the severity of Madigan's crimes, which included bribery and conspiracy (AP News, Fox News). On the other hand, Madigan's attorneys requested a sentence of five years' probation, arguing that he is a good man who deserves to care for his ailing wife (ABC7 Chicago, Block Club Chicago).

Analysis

The claim that federal prosecutors sought a 12 1/2-year prison term for Madigan while his attorneys requested five years' probation is accurate and well-documented. Multiple reputable sources confirm this information. For example, the AP News and Fox News both report that prosecutors aimed for a lengthy prison sentence due to Madigan's extensive history of corruption, while his defense team argued for probation based on his age and family circumstances.

The reliability of these sources is high; both AP News and Fox News are established news organizations with a track record of reporting on significant legal matters. The information is corroborated across various outlets, including ABC7 Chicago and Block Club Chicago, which also detail the contrasting sentencing recommendations made during the court proceedings.

While the defense's request for probation was framed as a compassionate plea, it is important to note that the judge ultimately imposed a sentence of 7 1/2 years, reflecting the court's view on the seriousness of Madigan's offenses (Fox News, Block Club Chicago). The judge's comments during sentencing emphasized the gravity of the crimes and Madigan's lack of accountability, further supporting the prosecutors' stance (AP News).

Conclusion

The claim that "federal prosecutors sought a 12 1/2-year prison term for Michael Madigan, while his attorneys requested five years' probation" is True. This assertion is supported by multiple credible sources that detail the contrasting recommendations made during the sentencing phase of Madigan's corruption trial.

Sources

1. The longest-serving legislative leader in US history will be sentenced …
2. Michael Madigan gets 7.5-year prison term and $2.5M fine ...
3. Ex-IL House Speaker Michael Madigan, 83, sentenced to ...
4. Michael Madigan Sentenced To 7 ½ Years In Prison, Fined ...
5. Madigan sentenced to 7 1/2 years in prison
6. Michael Madigan finally faces sentencing in corruption case
7. Former House Speaker Michael Madigan gets 7 1/2 years
8. Ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan sentenced to 7 ...