By rssfeeds-admin It’s the second consecutive day that Jones took the stand in an effort to clear his name.
At the center of the bribery trial are FBI recordings accusing the sitting state senator of making false statements to the federal agency, as well as the use of email in aid of racketeering.
The case stems from interactions Jones had in 2019 with former Safe Speed CEO Omar Maani. Unknown to Jones, the executive was working with the FBI at the time.
Federal prosecutors are using recordings of the two as evidence. Prosecutors say the two were discussing campaign contributions and a job for an intern in exchange for legislation to keep the red light camera ticketing operations in the suburbs and conduct a study on the process solely in Chicago.
Amid his defense, Jones accused the late Illinois State Senator Martin Sandoval of blocking his efforts to conduct a statewide study on red light cameras. Jones says he wanted to strengthen the law regarding ‘no turn on red.’ Referring to the late senator at the time, Jones said, ‘He won’t let my bill see the light of day.’
Jones said former Safe Speed executive Omar Maani reminded him of a used car salesman, but the late Sandoval told him he would need Safe Speed’s support if he wanted his bill passed.
In reference to the FBI recordings, Jones says Maani asked him about any future fundraisers. In a June 2019 dinner, Maani brought up fundraisers again and asked Jones how much he could contribute to his campaign.
In the audio transcript, Jones replies, “I don’t give folks numbers,” but later adds, “You can raise me $5,000. That’d be good.”
On the stand, Jones emphasized, “I didn’t say…give me $5,000; I said if you can raise me $5,000.”
Regarding a job for an intern, Jones on the stand said he got a call from his intern’s mother asking for help to get her son a job. Jones says he’s close with this family and knew that Safe Speed hired many college students, so he brought it up at dinner.
Cross-examination will begin on Thursday.
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