New Details Emerge as State Senator’s Bribery Trial Nears
Accused of Agreeing to Limit Study of Traffic Enforcement Systems in Exchange for $5,000 and Job for Intern
When longtime Illinois Sen. Emil Jones III had dinner in Chicago with a red-light camera executive back in July 2019, Jones gave him assurances about a potentially damaging bill he’d proposed to study the cameras and other automated traffic systems, prosecutors say.
A Discussion About Bribery
Jones told him, “I got you.” But the feds say he didn’t stop there. When SafeSpeed partner Omar Maani asked how much money he could raise for Jones, the senator allegedly told him, “You can raise me five grand. That’d be good. … But most importantly, I have an intern working in my office … and I’m trying to find him another job.”
An Intern’s Resume
Jones allegedly passed the intern’s resume along days later and told Maani in an email, “had a great time at dinner last week, looking forward to the many more good times my friend.” But Jones also allegedly mocked Maani in a separate text message to the intern, joking about how Maani was “trying to make sure I don’t file my red light camera bill.”
Jones’ Alleged Actions
“He thinks [dinner] will do it,” Jones wrote, according to prosecutors.
New Details Emerge in the Case
Now, new details have emerged about the bribery case against Jones, who is accused of agreeing to limit the study of traffic enforcement systems to Chicago in exchange for $5,000 and money for the intern. The Chicago Democrat, who remains in the state Senate more than two years after the feds leveled criminal charges against him, is set for trial April 7.
Federal Investigation
Multiple public officials have faced charges in connection with the feds’ probe of SafeSpeed deals, including the late state Sen. Martin Sandoval. SafeSpeed has not been charged with wrongdoing and has portrayed Maani as a rogue actor.
Maani’s Cooperation
Maani struck a so-called deferred-prosecution agreement with the feds in 2020 and confirmed that he’d been cooperating with them. A bribery conspiracy charge filed against him was dismissed in May 2023. But now, Maani is expected to testify if Jones’ case goes to trial.
Discussion of Resolving the Case
Earlier this month, attorneys in Jones’ case told U.S. District Judge Andrea Wood they were engaged in discussions about possibly resolving it “short of trial.” They asked the judge for a short extension of deadlines, which the judge granted, with a goal of reaching a decision by Feb. 10.
Case Headed for a Jury
Now, the filing of motions and witness lists Tuesday suggests the case is still headed for a jury.
Prosecutors’ Motion
Prosecutors shared details of Jones’ July 17, 2019, dinner with Maani in a 35-page motion. The men shared their meal at Steak 48, according to an exhibit list. Prosecutors say Maani asked if he could pay Jones $5,000 in a “creative way” and said “we have reporting requirements and everything, and I just don’t want to go down that path.”
Jones’ Response
Jones allegedly told him, “I get it.”
Concern About an Unnamed State Representative
The feds also say Maani shared concern that an unnamed state representative would try to use Jones’ study to cast the red-light-camera industry in a negative light.
Conclusion
The case against Jones is set to go to trial in April, and the public will get to hear the details of the alleged bribery scheme. With the conviction of ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan, the spotlight is once again on corruption in the state’s capital.
FAQs
* What is the alleged bribery scheme?
The alleged scheme involves Sen. Emil Jones III agreeing to limit the study of traffic enforcement systems to Chicago in exchange for $5,000 and money for an intern.
* Who is Omar Maani?
Omar Maani is a partner at SafeSpeed, a company that has been involved in the red-light camera industry.
* What is the status of the case?
The case is set to go to trial in April, and the public will get to hear the details of the alleged bribery scheme.
* What is the significance of this case?
This case is significant because it is one of several corruption cases to hit the state’s capital in recent years, and it highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in government.
