US EditionFormer ComEd CEO, Lobbyist to Be Released From Prison, Granted New Trial
The appeals panel said recent Supreme Court rulings may have undercut the bribery theory used at trial, prompting release pending retrial.
- On Tuesday, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals ordered a new trial for former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore and lobbyist Michael McClain, directing their immediate release from prison on bond pending the retrial.
- The ruling follows a 2024 Supreme Court decision narrowing federal bribery laws, which prompted defense attorneys to challenge 'ComEd Four' convictions that relied on the now-invalid 'gratuities' theory.
- Questioning the validity of the original verdict, 7th Circuit judges asked prosecutors whether the jury convicted based on invalid bribery theory rather than evidence of falsified records, stating the appeal raises a 'substantial question' regarding the case.
- Both defendants were granted bond forthwith, with Pramaggiore's spokesperson stating the team was 'very pleased' by the news, calling her imprisonment 'a significant blow' to the landmark case.
- Legal analysts suggest this decision could influence the separate appeal of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, whose own conviction on 10 corruption-related counts is currently under review by the 7th Circuit.
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7th Circuit orders release, new trial for two ‘ComEd Four’ defendants - IPM Newsroom
Illinois Newsroom - Two key figures in the federal corruption case against ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan were ordered released from prison Tuesday just hours after their lawyers argued for a new trial in front of the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. The post 7th Circuit orders release, new trial for two ‘ComEd Four’ defendants appeared first on IPM Newsroom.
Two of ComEd Four released. New trial pending – Center Square
The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals directed the federal government to release former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore on bond pending a new trial. The appellate court also ruled that codefendant Michael McClain is entitled to bond because “he is not likely to flee or pose a danger to the safety of any other person or the community” and because the appeal raises “a substantial question” that will result in an order for a new trial.
Former ComEd CEO, lobbyist to be released from prison, granted new trial
Former ComEd chief executive officer Anne Pramaggiore and lobbyist Michael McClain have both been ordered released from prison on appeal bonds, as a federal appeals court announced it will be granting them a new trial just hours after hearing arguments in their case.
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