In a recent trial, Timothy Mapes, former Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, was found guilty of providing false material testimony and attempting to obstruct an investigation into allegations of public corruption. The jury convicted Mapes of one count of making false declarations before a grand jury and one count of attempted obstruction of justice. The sentencing has been set for January 10, 2024, with the obstruction of justice conviction carrying a possible sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison. This verdict highlights the serious nature and consequences of perjury and obstruction of justice, emphasizing the importance of maintaining integrity and truthfulness in legal proceedings.
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Background
Former Chief of Staff to Speaker of the Illinois House Convicted of Lying Under Oath to Federal Grand Jury
The former Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, Timothy Mapes, has been convicted of providing false material testimony under oath to a federal grand jury and attempting to obstruct its investigation into allegations of public corruption. Mapes, 68, from Springfield, Illinois, was found guilty by a jury in U.S. District Court in Chicago of one count of making false declarations before a grand jury and one count of attempted obstruction of justice. Sentencing has been set for January 10, 2024. The obstruction of justice conviction carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, while the false declaration conviction carries a maximum sentence of five years.
Conviction Details
Guilty of Providing False Material Testimony
Mapes has been found guilty of providing false material testimony under oath to a federal grand jury. This conviction demonstrates the severity of perjury and obstruction of justice, which undermine the truth-seeking mission of the grand jury. Witnesses who violate their oath to tell the truth before a grand jury will be held accountable for their actions.
Attempting to Obstruct Investigation
In addition to providing false testimony, Mapes has also been convicted of attempting to obstruct the grand jury’s investigation into allegations of public corruption. Obstructing the prosecutorial process chips away at trust in our institutions, and this conviction shows that law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to ensure the integrity of our judicial system.
Sentencing Date Set
Mapes has been indicted and will face sentencing on January 10, 2024. The court will consider the severity of the offenses and the impact that these actions have had on public trust and the functioning of the justice system.
Potential Penalties
The obstruction of justice conviction carries a maximum punishment of up to 20 years in federal prison, while the false declaration conviction carries a maximum punishment of up to five years. The court will determine the appropriate penalties based on the circumstances of the case and the guidelines set forth by the law.
Announcement of Conviction
Statement by Acting U.S. Attorney
Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual emphasizes the seriousness of perjury and obstruction of justice. These offenses strike at the heart of the truth-seeking mission of the grand jury, and witnesses who choose to violate their oath to tell the truth will be held accountable. This conviction sends a clear message that false testimony will not be tolerated, and those who obstruct investigations will face severe consequences.
Statement by FBI Special Agent-in-Charge
FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Robert W. Wheeler, Jr., highlights the importance of truth in the pursuit of justice. Attempting to undermine the prosecutorial process erodes trust in our institutions. This conviction shows that law enforcement agencies are working diligently with partners to ensure the integrity of our judicial system.
Statement by IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent-in-Charge
IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent-in-Charge Justin Campbell stresses the importance of integrity and truthfulness from former public officials, even when it is inconvenient. The thorough investigation leading to this conviction demonstrates the commitment of IRS-CI and law enforcement partners to holding individuals accountable for not testifying truthfully in grand jury proceedings.
Investigation Overview
Federal Grand Jury Investigation
The federal grand jury was conducting an investigation into possible violations of federal criminal law. The focus of the investigation was on alleged efforts by the Speaker of the House and a consultant acting on the Speaker’s behalf to obtain private jobs, contracts, and monetary payments from Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), the largest electric utility in Illinois. The investigation aimed to uncover any influence or reward given to the Speaker in his official capacity.
Violations of Federal Criminal Law
The investigation centered around potential violations of federal criminal law, particularly related to public corruption. The grand jury sought to examine the actions of the Speaker of the House and the consultant in their pursuit of personal gain through their public positions.
Involvement of Speaker of the House and Consultant
The investigation revealed the involvement of the Speaker of the House and a consultant in alleged illicit activities. The consultant acted as an agent for the Speaker, attempting to secure private jobs, contracts, and monetary payments from ComEd. The investigation aimed to uncover the extent of their collaboration and any potential illegal activities committed.
Influence and Reward of Speaker by ComEd
The investigation focused on alleged attempts by ComEd to influence and reward the Speaker in his official capacity. It explored the connection between private job opportunities, contracts, and monetary payments provided by ComEd and the actions taken by the Speaker in his legislative role.
Immunity Granted to Mapes
Conditions of Immunity
Prior to his testimony before the grand jury, Mapes was granted immunity. However, this immunity order specified that his testimony could not be used against him in a criminal case, except in cases of perjury, false statements, or failure to comply with the conditions of the immunity order. This condition ensured that Mapes would still be held accountable for any false or misleading statements made under oath.
False Declarations by Mapes
Despite the immunity granted to him, Mapes knowingly made false material declarations during his appearance before the grand jury. He denied knowledge of the consultant’s role as an agent or the performance of work on behalf of the Speaker during the specified years. However, evidence presented during the trial demonstrated that Mapes had knowledge of the consultant’s activities and assigned tasks on behalf of the Speaker, including communication on the Speaker’s behalf.
Trial Evidence
Mapes Knowledge of Consultant’s Role
During the trial, evidence was presented to establish that Mapes was aware of the consultant’s role as an agent for the Speaker. This evidence directly contradicted Mapes’ false declarations before the grand jury. The prosecution demonstrated that Mapes had knowledge of the consultant’s activities and involvement in securing private jobs, contracts, and monetary payments for the Speaker.
Denial of Consultant’s Work and Assignments
In his false declarations, Mapes denied any knowledge of the consultant’s work and assignments on behalf of the Speaker. However, the evidence presented at trial painted a different picture, showing that Mapes had assigned tasks to the consultant and was aware of the work performed on the Speaker’s behalf. This contradiction further solidified the case against Mapes.
Communication on Speaker’s Behalf
Evidence was presented during the trial to establish that the consultant acted as a communication intermediary on behalf of the Speaker. Mapes’ false declarations during his grand jury testimony attempted to distance himself from this knowledge. However, the trial evidence clearly demonstrated that Mapes had knowledge of the consultant’s role in communicating messages on behalf of the Speaker.
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Related Content
Other Recent Corruption Cases in Illinois
Mapes’ conviction is not an isolated incident but part of a broader trend of corruption cases in Illinois. The state has been grappling with numerous corruption scandals involving public officials. The conviction of Mapes highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to address corruption and restore public trust in the state’s governance.
Contact Information
U.S. Department of Justice, Northern District of Illinois
For more information or inquiries related to this case or other matters within the U.S. Department of Justice, Northern District of Illinois, individuals can contact the relevant authorities by utilizing the provided contact information. This ensures that the public has a reliable avenue for seeking clarification or additional details regarding the conviction of Timothy Mapes and related corruption cases in Illinois.
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