In a surprise move, former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan will take the witness stand in his corruption trial.
Capitol News Illinois reports the court learned of the surprise decision Tuesday afternoon.
It’s likely to prolong the former speaker’s already delayed trial into late January.
The trial began in October and was initially slated to conclude in December, but it has taken longer than expected.
Madigan faces 23 counts in a case that frames his power in government, politics and as an attorney as a “criminal enterprise.”
His co-defendant and longtime confidant Mike McClain faces six counts.
McClain waived his right to testify in his own defense last month.