ComEd Execs Ordered Released on Bail, Get New Trials

Appeals court overturns convictions of former CEO and lobbyist in high-profile corruption case.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 9:09pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of crumpled financial documents lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic without any text or symbols.The overturning of corruption convictions in the high-profile ComEd case exposes the complex legal landscape surrounding political influence and utility regulation.Chicago Today

An appeals court has ordered the release on bail of two convicted members of the so-called 'ComEd Four' corruption case, former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore and lobbyist Michael McClain. Both will receive new trials after the court found issues with the original convictions.

Why it matters

The ComEd corruption scandal was a major political controversy in Illinois, leading to the resignation of a powerful state legislator and raising questions about the influence of utility companies in state politics. The overturning of these convictions could have significant implications for the ongoing case and the future of utility regulation in the state.

The details

Pramaggiore and McClain were originally sentenced to two years in prison for conspiracy and falsifying records related to a bribery scheme involving the utility company ComEd. However, the appeals court found that recent Supreme Court rulings had narrowed the definition of bribery, leading them to order new trials for the two defendants.

  • The appeals court hearing took place on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
  • Pramaggiore and McClain had been serving prison sentences since their original convictions.

The players

Anne Pramaggiore

Former CEO of ComEd, the largest electric utility in Illinois.

Michael McClain

Longtime ComEd lobbyist who was convicted alongside Pramaggiore.

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What they’re saying

“We are very pleased that Anne Pramaggiore will be released on bail forthwith while the Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit finalizes its opinion ordering a new trial in light of the intervening Supreme Court decisions rejecting the government's theories. We thank the Seventh Circuit for moving as swiftly as it did to grant bail. It has never made sense that Anne Pramaggiore has served a single day in prison, much less the three months she has served -- for 'crimes' the Supreme Court said did not exist.”

— Spokesperson for Anne Pramaggiore

“We are pleased by the court's release order and are looking forward to receiving its opinion.”

— Attorney for Michael McClain

What’s next

The appeals court is expected to issue a full opinion in the coming weeks outlining its reasoning for overturning the original convictions and ordering new trials for Pramaggiore and McClain.

The takeaway

This case highlights the evolving legal landscape around public corruption charges, with the Supreme Court's recent rulings leading to the overturning of high-profile convictions. The new trials will likely re-examine the boundaries of bribery and political influence in the utility industry.