Michael Madigan, the longest‑serving legislative leader in United States history, has been sentenced to seven and a half years in federal prison and fined $2.5 million after being found guilty in February of ten felony counts related to public corruption.

A U.S. District judge, overseeing what has been described as one of the largest corruption cases in recent Illinois history, determined that Madigan accepted payments from utility giant Commonwealth Edison via no‑show contracts to influence legislation and then steered legal business to his private firm and his son in exchange for political favors.

These payments, amounting to at least $1.3 million directed to Madigan’s allies, corresponded to legislation estimated to have produced approximately $400 million in increased value for ComEd shareholders.

The judge also found that Madigan repeatedly perjured himself during his trial testimony, describing his performance on the witness stand as evasive and dishonest.

Prosecutors had requested a sentence of 12½ years, while the defence argued for probation, citing his age and his role as caregiver to his ailing wife.

During sentencing, the defence pointed to a submitted video statement from his wife, who said she relied on him for her daily wellbeing.

Federal guidelines allow for a maximum sentence of 105 years.

Madigan is required to report to prison on October 13, under terms that include supervised release following incarceration.

He will forfeit his state pension under Illinois law barring convicted public officials from receiving such benefits.