Ex-ComEd Executive Avoids Jail After Aiding Corruption Probe

Fidel Marquez received probation for his extensive cooperation in a major Chicago public corruption investigation.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A former high-level executive at Commonwealth Edison was sentenced to probation after prosecutors, his attorney, and the judge praised his extensive cooperation in a major public corruption investigation in Chicago. Fidel Marquez went undercover and provided 'superlative' assistance that helped uncover a long-running bribery scheme.

Why it matters

The case highlights how cooperating witnesses can play a crucial role in rooting out entrenched corruption, even when they were previously involved in unethical practices. Marquez's cooperation was seen as essential in dismantling the corruption scheme at ComEd, one of the largest electric utilities in Illinois.

The details

Marquez, a former engineering executive who rose to a high-level lobbying position at ComEd, was praised for his pivotal role in the corruption investigation. He went undercover and provided extensive information that helped prosecutors build their case against others involved in the bribery scheme.

  • Marquez was sentenced on February 19, 2026.

The players

Fidel Marquez

A former high-level executive at Commonwealth Edison who cooperated extensively with prosecutors in a major public corruption investigation in Chicago.

Timothy Chapman

An Assistant U.S. Attorney who praised Marquez's 'superlative' cooperation in the corruption probe.

Commonwealth Edison (ComEd)

A major electric utility serving northern Illinois, including the Chicago metropolitan area.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He was the guy who kept the system running. When the storm happened and the lights went out, he was the guy to fix it. And he was great at it.”

— Timothy Chapman, Assistant U.S. Attorney (bloomberglaw.com)

The takeaway

This case demonstrates how cooperating witnesses can play a vital role in exposing and dismantling entrenched corruption, even when they were previously involved in unethical practices. Marquez's extensive cooperation was seen as essential in rooting out the bribery scheme at ComEd, one of the largest utilities in Illinois.