Former Chicago Ald. Daniel Solis returned to the stand Tuesday to testify in the trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan.
Recorded phone calls were a key part of Solis' testimony in the case, and the jury heard recordings showing how Madigan called Solis to ask about a new development in his ward, known as Union West.
In the call, Solis asks Madigan: “Do you know the developer?”
“No, but I would like to,” Madigan replies.
This phone call was secretly recorded by Solis, at the direction of the FBI. Solis wore a wire and cooperated with the FBI starting in 2016 as part of a corruption investigation. The focus shifted to Madigan in 2017.
“I think they understand how this works, you know, quid pro quo,” Solis told Madigan by phone. “Well, I just wanted to let you know that I'll be following up with you after Thursday.”
“Very well,” Madigan replies.
When prosecutors questioned Solis about that call, Solis said he understood Madigan wanted an introduction to the developer to get business for his law firm.
Since Friday, Solis has been the star witness for the prosecution. He completed his third day of testimony.
The jury was shown numerous phone calls and private meetings illustrating similar situations.
In a clip from January 2018, jurors heard Madigan calling Solis to ask about another development in his ward called Peoria Park.
“You know what I care about,” Madigan was heard telling Solis.
“Yes,” Solis answers.
Co-defendant Michael McClain entered the picture in Solis' testimony Tuesday.
In one of the recorded conversations, we heard the couple discussing politics and how they have to be careful in this day and age with how they talk.
“You can't be too blatant,” McLean said.
Solis responded: How is the Speaker of the House handling all of this?
“He has alternatives,” McLean said, adding that he is one of them.
“Smart. He's got to be one of the smartest people I've ever met, not just individuals, but also elected officials,” Solis replied.
Solis's long-awaited testimony gives the jury and the public a deeper look into Chicago politics and one of the largest corruption cases in the city's history.
FBI agents first encountered Solis in 2016 in investigating his alleged misconduct. He soon after agreed to begin cooperating with the FBI to help in its case against Madigan and the former Chicago Ald. Ed Burke.
