The former Illinois House Speaker once lauded as the longest-serving legislative leader in American history will enter a federal courtroom this week on charges he used his vast influence to run a “criminal enterprise” to amass even more wealth and power.

A half-century career and status as Illinois’ most powerful politician ended nearly four years ago with a 24-count charge of bribery and racketeering.

The 82-year-old is charged in a multimillion-dollar racketeering and bribery scheme that included the state’s largest utility, ComEd.