CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois state Rep. Derrick Smith said after he was convicted of bribery that he “gave it a good fight.”
Federal jurors found the lawmaker guilty Tuesday afternoon in federal court. Afterward, Smith addressed the media and said the “jurors didn’t see what God saw.” Smith showed no emotion as the verdict was read in the courtroom.
At trial, prosecutors played secret recordings of the 50-year-old Chicago Democrat allegedly accepting 70 $100 bills in exchange for a letter supporting a state grant. But it was all part of an FBI sting.
Smith’s attorney said they haven’t decided if they would appeal. Smith was released pending a sentencing date, which wasn’t set. A status hearing is set for Sept. 23.
