State Sen. Emil Jones III pleads not guilty to charges in bribery scandal
CHICAGO (CBS) -- State Sen. Emil Jones III pleaded not guilty to all charges for his alleged role in a bribery scandal during his court appearance on Friday.
The state senator was indicted earlier this week on federal charges.
He's accused of taking bribes in exchange for his promise to oppose legislation requiring a study of red-light cameras outside of Chicago city limits.
Prosecutors said Jones himself introduced a bill in February of 2019 requiring IDOT to conduct a statewide study of red-light cameras. Then just five months later, prosecutors said Jones called for the protection of one specific red-light camera.
Someone involved with the camera vendor offered Jones $5,000 and a job for one of his associates, according to prosecutors.
On Thursday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker called on Jones to resign from office calling his actions "unacceptable." Jones' virtual hearing is at noon.
Jones has served in the state legislature since 2009.
Jones' next status hearing is scheduled for Nov. 4.
