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Madigan’s former chief of staff pleads not guilty to perjury

Timothy Mapes entered the plea through his lawyer during a hearing conducted remotely.
Credit: AP
FILE - In this May 10, 2011, file photo, Timothy Mapes, chief of staff for Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, listens to lawmakers debate at the Capitol in Springfield, Ill. Mapes, the longtime chief of staff to former Illinois House Speaker Madigan, was indicted Wednesday, May 26, 2021, for lying under oath to a federal grand jury investigating a bribery scheme involving Madigan and the state's largest electric utility, ComEd. Mapes, of Springfield is charged with making false declarations before a grand jury and attempted obstruction of justice. Mapes has been one of the closest allies of Madigan. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman File)

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.

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