2 Members of 'ComEd Four' Granted New Trials

Former ComEd CEO and lobbyist released on bail after court orders new proceedings.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 12:37am

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An extreme close-up of a crumpled document or file folder, the harsh flash illuminating the textured surface and creating a stark, investigative mood without any visible text or markings.The decision to grant new trials in the 'ComEd Four' corruption case exposes the complexities of rooting out political graft in Illinois.Chicago Today

Two members of the so-called 'ComEd Four' corruption case in Illinois have been released from federal custody and granted new trials by a federal court. Former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore and lobbyist Michael McClain were part of a group accused of bribing former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.

Why it matters

The 'ComEd Four' case was a major political corruption scandal in Illinois that led to the conviction of several high-profile figures. The decision to grant new trials for two of the defendants raises questions about the strength of the original case and could have broader implications for the ongoing efforts to root out corruption in the state's political system.

The details

In 2023, Pramaggiore and McClain were sentenced to two years in prison for conspiracy and falsifying records related to a scheme to influence Madigan by paying his allies a total of $1.3 million from 2011 through 2019 for allegedly non-existent consulting contracts. The court has now ordered new trials for the two defendants, though the full written opinion explaining the decision has not yet been issued.

  • In 2023, Pramaggiore and McClain were sentenced to two years in prison.
  • On April 16, 2026, the Federal Bureau of Prisons confirmed that Pramaggiore and McClain were released on bail.

The players

Anne Pramaggiore

Former CEO of ComEd, one of the members of the 'ComEd Four' corruption case.

Michael McClain

Lobbyist, one of the members of the 'ComEd Four' corruption case.

Michael Madigan

Former Illinois House Speaker who was convicted of conspiracy, wire fraud and bribery in the 'ComEd Four' case and sentenced to 7.5 years in prison.

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What’s next

The court is expected to release a full written opinion explaining its decision to grant new trials for Pramaggiore and McClain in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The decision to grant new trials for two members of the 'ComEd Four' corruption case raises questions about the strength of the original prosecution and could signal a shift in the ongoing efforts to address political corruption in Illinois.