Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan must begin a 7½-year prison term on Oct. 13 after appeals court denied his request to stay free during appeal.

Michael Madigan, the former Illinois House Speaker, must begin serving a 7½-year prison sentence on October 13 after the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals denied his request to remain free while appealing his corruption conviction. The 83-year-old, convicted on bribery conspiracy and wire fraud charges tied to schemes involving utility payments and political favors, will report to prison despite legal arguments questioning jury instructions and the use of a controversial prosecution theory. His appeal remains pending, but such stays are rare in major corruption cases.