The 22-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury comes after a yearslong federal investigation and alleges [he] participated in an array of bribery and extortion schemes from 2011 to 2019 aimed at using the power of his office for personal gain.
ABC7:
As part of the scheme, prosecutors allege that [the former speaker] and his conspirators used "coded language in their discussions" and attempted to "reduce law enforcement's ability to intercept their communications" by meeting in person or using third-party cell phones to communicate. Prosecutors say [the former speaker] was often referred to by ComEd officials as "our Friend," or "a Friend of ours" rather than using his name, in an effort to conceal the scheme.