Ex-ComEd Executive Who Aided FBI Probe of Madigan Bribery Gets Probation

Fidel Marquez, a former senior vice president at ComEd, was sentenced to 2 years of probation for his role in a bribery scheme to influence ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

More than seven years after agreeing to become an FBI mole, former ComEd executive Fidel Marquez was sentenced to two years of probation on Thursday for his role in a massive bribery conspiracy to win the influence of then-House Speaker Michael Madigan. Marquez pleaded guilty in 2020 to conspiracy to commit bribery and provided key testimony that helped convict Madigan.

Why it matters

The case exposed widespread corruption at the highest levels of Illinois government, leading to the downfall of Madigan, the longtime Democratic Party leader and one of the state's most powerful politicians. Marquez's cooperation with the FBI was crucial in bringing down the corruption scheme.

The details

Marquez, 64, rose from humble beginnings to become ComEd's senior vice president of external affairs. He admitted to his role in funneling hundreds of thousands of dollars in payments to do-nothing subcontractors in order to win Madigan's influence. In exchange for his truthful testimony, prosecutors agreed to recommend a sentence of probation instead of prison time for Marquez.

  • In early 2019, FBI agents confronted Marquez at his mother's home and played wiretapped phone calls that they said showed him committing crimes.
  • Marquez began working with the FBI in early 2019 and made multiple undercover recordings that provided key evidence against Madigan.
  • Marquez pleaded guilty in 2020 to conspiracy to commit bribery.
  • Marquez was sentenced to 2 years of probation on February 19, 2026.

The players

Fidel Marquez

A former senior vice president of external affairs at ComEd who agreed to become an FBI mole and provided key testimony that helped convict former House Speaker Michael Madigan.

Michael Madigan

The former longtime Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives and leader of the Illinois Democratic Party, who was convicted of bribery conspiracy and other corruption charges.

Amarjeet Bhachu

The former head of the U.S. Attorney's Office Public Corruption Section and lead prosecutor on the Madigan investigation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I sincerely regret my actions. I am ashamed. I did not like what was taking place, but I could have tried to do more, and I didn't.”

— Fidel Marquez (Chicago Tribune)

“I wish that I could order you to lecture on public corruption.”

— Judge Mary Rowland, U.S. District Judge (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

Madigan's appeal of his conviction is pending before the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, with the government's response brief due in January 2026 and oral arguments expected to be scheduled soon after.

The takeaway

This case highlights the deep-rooted corruption that had taken hold in Illinois politics, with the downfall of one of the state's most powerful figures. Marquez's cooperation with the FBI was crucial in exposing the bribery scheme and holding Madigan accountable, though his own role in the corruption also warranted punishment.