Overview

• Sen. Emil Jones III is accused of accepting $5,000 from red-light camera executive Omar Maani in exchange for legislative favors and arranging a job for a former intern.
• Jones took the witness stand to defend himself, marking a pivotal moment as the trial nears its conclusion at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse in Chicago.
• Prosecutors presented recorded conversations where Jones allegedly solicited campaign contributions, contradicting his earlier statements to the FBI.
• Jones described Maani as a 'used car salesman' and former Sen. Martin Sandoval as a 'bully,' aiming to shift blame for the stalled red-light camera legislation.
• If convicted, Jones faces up to 10 years in prison and would be required to resign from the Illinois General Assembly under state law.