Michael Madigan sentenced to 7.5 years in prison for corruption: Live updates

During a discussion over letters of support written for the former House Speaker, Madigan attorney Lari Dierks told Judge Blakey that it’s the former speaker’s position that he is innocent.

The exchange came after Dierks told Judge Blakey that it “matters greatly” that more than 130 people wrote letters to the court in support of Madigan.

“They shared that Mike is known for being truthful. His word is his bond. Honesty is a core value to him,” Dierks said.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia Schwartz retorted that “Madigan got on the stand and lied. And these were purposeful lies, intended to affect the jury’s decision-making process.”

Schwartz pointed to Madigan’s claim that he expected his allies to work for the money they were paid by ComEd.

Dierks disputed what Schwartz said, but Blakey interrupted Dierks to ask if it is her position that Madigan is “not guilty of any of the counts.”

At first Dierks tried to punt on the question, but when Blakey pressed her on whether Madigan insists on his innocence, Dierks told him, “Yes, your honor.”