CHICAGO — The longtime chief of staff to former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan pleaded not guilty Friday to lying under oath to a federal grand jury that was investigating a bribery scheme involving electric utility Commonwealth Edison.
Timothy Mapes entered the plea through his lawyer during a hearing conducted remotely before U.S. District Judge John Lee, who allowed the 66-year-old to remain free pending trial.
Wednesday’s indictment states Mapes was granted immunity to testify and that his words or evidence he provided can’t be used against him in a criminal case unless he committed perjury, gave a false statement or otherwise failed to comply with the immunity order. Mapes testified before the grand jury on March 31, according to the indictment.
Mapes’ attorneys released a statement this week rejecting the perjury allegation, contending the government’s entire case is about Madigan.
