Democratic state Sen. Emil Jones III is expected to face a rigorous cross-examination Thursday in his trial on bribery charges alleging he agreed to accept campaign funds and a job for his former intern from a red light camera company executive in exchange for his help on legislation in Springfield.
Jones, 46, is charged with bribery, use of an interstate facility to solicit bribery and lying to federal agents. The most serious charge carries up to 10 years in prison, while the others have a five-year maximum term.
Making a risky move to testify in his own defense, Jones has so far fielded friendly questions from his attorney as he blasted the government’s star witness, SafeSpeed LLC co-founder Omar Maani, as a “used car salesman” and tried to explain to jurors his statements on undercover recordings made by Maani that are at the heart of the case.
Jones denied ever agreeing to any exchange with Maani, saying he didn’t trust him and was merely suggesting he donate up to $5,000 to his campaign to support one of the senator’s many community causes. Jones also testified that his request for Maani to hire his former intern to a $15-an-hour part-time job was a routine recommendation and had “nothing to do with” any red light camera legislation.
He also also had critical words for his now-deceased colleague, former state Sen. Martin Sandoval, describing the once-powerful head of the Senate Transportation Committee as “kind of a bully.”
Sandoval pleaded guilty to taking bribes from Maani in exchange for being SafeSpeed’s “protector” in the Senate and was cooperating with authorities when he died of COVID-19 complications in December 2020.
Once the direct examination wraps up Thursday, Jones is expected to face hours of questions from federal prosecutors who will try to contrast Jones’ own statements on the recordings with his courtroom testimony. Assistant U.S. Attorney Prashant Kolurri told the judge on Wednesday the cross could last up to four hours.
Jones is the first sitting member of the state General Assembly to face trial at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse since then-state Rep. Derrick Smith was found guilty of bribery nearly a decade ago. If convicted, Jones would be forced to resign under Illinois law and would almost certainly forfeit any future pension.
The trial, which began with jury selection April 7, had been slated to last only about a week but has moved slower than expected. U.S District Judge Andrea Wood said after the jury was sent home Wednesday that she hoped to have closing arguments either Friday or Monday, depending on Easter weekend schedules.
jmeisner@chicagotribune.com