Mistrial declared in Emil Jones III’s federal bribery trial

The jury stated that they could not reach a unanimous decision on any of the three counts against Jones, adding that they did not think further deliberations would be helpful. 

Prior to the judge’s decision to declare a mistrial, jury deliberations had been ongoing for the entire week. Before they began their fourth day on Thursday, jurors shared a note with the court requesting Friday off and returning on Monday if a verdict was not reached by then.

Over the last couple of days, the jury has asked several questions for clarity and signaled that they may be close to a deadlock on two of the three counts against state Senator Jones. Prosecutors claim that Jones, who represents communities on Chicago’s Far South Side and some southwestern suburbs, agreed to accept bribes amounting to a $5,000 campaign contribution and a job for his intern.

The government argued Jones agreed to accept the alleged bribe in exchange for helping Om Maani, a former executive for the red-light camera company, Safe Speed, and helping boost the company’s interest in the state senate. During the trial, Jones’ lawyers challenged the government, saying the democratic leader who testified for nine hours over three days during the two-week trial didn’t take any money, but was instead set up by the FBI and Maani, who acted as a mole for the agency.

‘Look forward to another fight’: Illinois State Sen. Emil Jones III reacts to mistrial

Jones, who is the son of former Illinois Senate President Emil Jones Jr., is also accused of lying to the FBI about the supposed bribes and use of email in aid racketeering.

Jones faced the possibility of prison time and losing his Senate seat, which he had held since 2009, if he were found guilty.