Professor: Forfeiture might be deterrent as prosecutors seek $3M from Madigan

A professor who has studied public corruption says it might be a good thing that prosecutors are seeking $3.14 million in forfeiture from convicted former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.

Elmhurst University professor Connie Mixon says convictions and prison sentences have not kept many of the state’s elected officials from committing crimes.

Mixon suggested that forfeiture trials might make politicians pause before they engage in corrupt acts.

U.S. government prosecutors say Madigan should forfeit $3.14 million paid by ComEd to the former speaker’s allies, because the payments were bribes.

Story from Illinois Radio Network