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* All I know about this is rumors have circulated for a little while, so I guess we wait to see if Pratt’s right…
Another Illinois corruption case: Expect State Sen. Emil Jones III to face charges tied to red light cameras.
— Gregory Pratt (@royalpratt) September 20, 2022
*** UPDATE 1 *** And here we go…
///BREAKING/// State Sen. Emil Jones III has been hit with federal bribery charges alleging he took money from a red light camera company executive to kill legislation requiring traffic studies for camera systems. He’s also accused of lying to the FBI. Story to come pic.twitter.com/MYeBIgo1Tp
— Jason Meisner (@jmetr22b) September 20, 2022
*** UPDATE 2 *** The charge is here…
The Illinois Department of Transportation (”IDOT”) approved the installation and operation of red-light cameras within the State. In or around February 2079, JONES introduced a bill, namely, Senate Bill 1297, that would require IDOT to conduct a statewide study of automated traffic law enforcement systems, which included red-light cameras. Senate BIII1297 would require IDOT to report on the overall operation, usage, and regulation of automated traffic enforcement systems, and to propose any recommendations IDOT deemed necessary concerning such systems.
In or around 20L9, JONES agreed that, in exchange for benefits provided by Individual A to JONES and Individual B, JONES would oppose legislation that required the study of automated traffic enforcement systems located outside of Chicago, and would limit any legislation regarding IDOT’s study of and recommendations concerning automated traffic law enforcement systems to those automated traffic enforcement systems utilized in Chicago, thereby excluding from study and recommendations automated traffic enforcement systems utilized in numerous other muncipalties that Company A served.
Beginning in or around April 2019, and continuing until in or around September 2019, at Chicago, in the Northern District of lllinois, Eastern Division, and elsewhere, EMIL JONES, III, defendant herein, as an agent of the State of Illinois, corruptly solicited, agreed to accept, and accepted things of value from Individual A, namely a $5,000 payment and money for Individual B, intending to be influenced and rewarded in connection with a business, transaction, and series of transactions of the State of Illinois involving a thing of value of $5,000 or more, namely, legislation in the Illinois General Assembly concerning the operation of red-light cameras; […]
On or about JuIy 17, 2019, JONES told Individual A that he would protect Company A and Individual A from legislation in the Illinois General Assembly concerning the operation of red-light cameras in exchange for $5,000 for JONES and a job for Individual B.
On or about August 8, 2019, JONES told Individual A that if Individual A contributed $5,000 by sponsoring an event, JONES and Individual A would not have to report that contribution on Illinois campaign contribution reports.
On or about August 12, 2019, JONES and Individual A discussed how much money Individual A would pay Individual B.
And then he allegedly lied about it to the FBI.
…Adding… Sun-Times…
The state senator allegedly lied to the FBI about his role in the scheme Sept. 24, 2019.
That was the same day federal agents raided the home and offices of state Sen. Martin Sandoval, including in the state Capitol building.
Holy moly. The G was busy that day. Also…
The feds filed their charges against Jones in a document known as an information, which typically signals a defendant’s intention to plead guilty.
…Adding… Leader Durkin…
elow is a statement from House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) on the Indictment of State Senator Emil Jones III:
“The Democrat Party of Illinois has become an organized crime family whose only purpose is to shakedown Illinois taxpayers. Today’s indictment once again shows Illinois residents why Democrats refuse to pass real ethics reform; they are too corrupt.”
…Adding… Leader McConchie…
Below is a statement from Leader McConchie regarding the indictment of Sen. Emil Jones III:
“Even in a post-Madigan-era, Illinois continues to have a systemic corruption problem—one that Democrats continue to enable,” said Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie. “Democrats have refused for years to allow our anti-corruption proposals to move forward. If the Democrats won’t allow us to do the right thing, it’s time for voters to step in and make the change this November.”
As a refresher, the SGOP ethics package is SB 3636. One of the proposals in it includes empowering the attorney general to use a statewide grand jury to investigate public corruption.
…Adding… SafeSpeed…
“SafeSpeed’s goal has always been to provide a service that helps save lives. As new developments in federal investigations come to light, SafeSpeed remains both shocked and saddened that one of its former colleagues was engaged in criminal conduct and recruited outside individuals to help further his self-serving activities. Their actions were clearly in their own self-interest and done without SafeSpeed’s knowledge and undercut the important work SafeSpeed does.
“The criminal activity of a few individuals does not and should not reflect the values and integrity of SafeSpeed, its employees, and its clients. SafeSpeed built its business on integrity and ethics, and it holds its employees and representatives to the highest standards of conduct and ethics. SafeSpeed has long since terminated all contact with its former colleague and his associates.
“SafeSpeed remains committed to continuing to assist Illinois municipalities in improving traffic safety. SafeSpeed fully supports the federal government’s investigation into public corruption and will continue to aid their efforts in any way it can.”
* Meanwhile, this dude apparently threw all of his colleagues under the bus while bragging to a potential mark about a broad conspiracy…
A longtime Cook County Board of Review worker pleaded guilty to a federal bribery charge Friday, more than a year after the Chicago Sun-Times revealed he was under investigation by the FBI for lowering property assessments in exchange for cash.
Danilo “Danny B” Barjaktarevic, 49, faces a likely prison sentence of up to two and a half years under federal sentencing guidelines. His sentencing hearing is set for Dec. 13.
He is no longer employed with the Board of Review, according to his attorney.
Barjaktarevic’s plea agreement anticipates he will repay $21,000 he received during the investigation. The document also indicates he lied when he claimed that others at the Board of Review helped him lower assessments for bribes.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 1:16 pm
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Twenty-one grand in exchange for federal imprisonment. Man, greed has a way of lowering one’s IQ.
Comment by Cubs in '16 Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 1:25 pm
Perhaps he will be replace by someone who actually files legislation.
Comment by Close Observer Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 1:25 pm
Never take the money.
Never.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 1:32 pm
You get in the easy way via nepotism and still disgrace yourself.
Comment by Big Dipper Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 1:42 pm
Wow- I assume he could have learned from the formers: Lui Arroyo and Terry Link? Plus former state Rep. Derrick ‘where-is-the cheese’ Smith.
Comment by Pizza Man Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 1:49 pm
Threemil, say it ain’t so.
Comment by New Day Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 1:52 pm
well that didn’t take long https://twitter.com/jmetr22b/status/1572296261159485440
Comment by vern Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 1:53 pm
Great. No, not great. Countdown to Republican ads about corruption touching the President of the Senate via his son. Freakin’ greedy jerks.
Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 1:55 pm
Who is next in the line of succession? This seat is inheritable right?
Comment by Chicagonk Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 1:56 pm
=== touching===
The former… former…
Look, I know, I’m guilty of it too, I forget first there is an Illinois senate, then who exactly is in leadership there.
Heck, on an off day I might drop “Phil Rock or “Pate” as prez.
:)
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 1:58 pm
===He’s also accused of lying to the FBI===
The FBI never asks you a question when they don’t already know the answer. That’s why so many politicians claim to have such bad memories. “I don’t recall” is so much better than “no.”
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 2:01 pm
“in exchange for $5,000 for JONES”
I wouldn’t normally think of five-grand as a “life-changing amount of money,” but it seems that it certainly can be.
– MrJM
Comment by MisterJayEm Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 2:10 pm
Always Always take the 5th😆😆
Comment by Sue Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 2:15 pm
==I wouldn’t normally think of five-grand as a “life-changing amount of money,” but it seems that it certainly can be.==
It never ceases to amaze me how little money people will take to commit federal crimes.
Comment by twowaystreet Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 2:15 pm
C’mon man. If you’re going to sell out, get some big money. The kind of money that’ll let you live it up and have great memories to recall when you’re sitting in your prison cell.
Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 2:20 pm
Arrest anyone dumb enough to do this, and stop replacing them with people even dumber. Enough already, there are good people out there who have been closed off from running for far too long.
Comment by Lincoln Lad Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 2:22 pm
Another one of the Senate leadership… Republicans would be dumber than previously thought if they don’t move forward with that.
Comment by Romeo Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 2:22 pm
well, that’s cuz they don’t think they will get caught?
Comment by 10th Ward Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 2:22 pm
===Arrest anyone dumb enough to do this, and stop replacing them with people even dumber===
Appreciate this what I’ve thought for years now.
Comment by Close Observer Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 2:26 pm
When feds have questions best to declare an affirmative invocation of counsel and then remain silent. Remaining silent without invoking can potentially be used against defendants under Fed Rules of Evidence.
“I have an attorney and he/she will be in contact with you.”
Comment by Donnie Elgin Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 2:27 pm
Which part of “the Feds are watching so don’t do the crime if you can’t do the time” are these elected types…again. Seriously. It’s mind bogging.
And I’m disappointed because I had a different legislator in the pool of most likely to be indicted pool.
Comment by New Day Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 2:28 pm
===I had a different legislator in the pool ===
Give it time.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 2:29 pm
=I wouldn’t normally think of five-grand as a “life-changing amount of money,” but it seems that it certainly can be.=
Well $5K here and $5K there can start to add up. Perhaps Jones made a really bad decision in this singular instance and just happened to get caught. Or maybe not.
Comment by Pundent Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 2:30 pm
It was a different time but didn’t Greylord judges take $50? And how much was the Burger King driveway permit (allegedly)?
Comment by Big Dipper Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 2:36 pm
I am sure we can expect a strong statement from Governor Pritzker about the 9th Democratic legislator indicted during his term in office and the need for significant ethics reform to restore faith in state government.
Comment by Lucky Pierre Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 2:40 pm
==ethics reform==
Ethics reform can’t fix stupid.
Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 2:50 pm
Yeah, 5 thousand dollars. On one hand you could do a felony and go to prison but on the other hand you could make cheeseburgers at McDonalds for about 2 months to get that amount of money.
Comment by Correcting Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 2:52 pm
===need for significant ethics reform===
This is a plain ole simple shakedown.
Geez, it’s five large and a job.
You think 3 more internet modules or a stiffer penalty at this point matters… it’s a federal case, lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 2:53 pm
“I’m gonna get outta this one, 250’s f—ing my cut. Which, f— it. I don’t give a f—. I’m just the middle guy pushing.”… ‘They already accounted for that money for their vacations and s—.’”
Hollywood studios should send money to the Cook County Democrats. The quotes on the many Fed overhears (wiretaps) practically write the scripts for them.
Comment by Donnie Elgin Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 2:57 pm
LP, as you like to count heads, I daresay if Republicans weren’t a superminority we would see a proportionately larger number of them indicted. Neither party has a monopoly on corruption.
Comment by Big Dipper Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 2:59 pm
LOL
Hilarious another Democratic legislator indicted
Perhaps JB can take the afternoon off on Twitter criticizing Republican carnival barkers and make a strong statement about the need for ethical people in public service.
Comment by Lucky Pierre Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 3:00 pm
=== Hilarious another Democratic legislator indicted===
… for $5K and a job, that’s hilarious that one is that cheap on the market.
Are you an attorney? I’m asking, very likely not for any reason you might think.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 3:09 pm
Perhaps LP can take one day off of being a troll. Things were so much better before you showed up.
Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 3:09 pm
I don’t understand his father’s statement in light of the fact that it likely he is going to plead guilty.
Comment by twowaystreet Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 3:28 pm
Today the Republicans are cheering for the FBI. Tomorrow they will forget about it and pretend the FBI has been weaponized against political enemies. Which is it? Because it can’t be both.
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 3:28 pm
Durkin can’t even get the dominant party’s name correct.
Comment by Big Dipper Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 3:33 pm
Was there any upper level IDOT Engineers involved? Some left and went to the private sector when Sandoval got arrested.
Comment by I am curious Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 3:39 pm
For all those saying we need better ethics laws: WHAT HE DID WAS ILLEGAL AND VIOLATED ETHICS LAWS. Stronger laws wouldn’t have prevented it.
We need better *people*. These people are as dangerous as election deniers are to democracy. Lock em up.
Comment by Not Your Gramma Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 3:45 pm
Irony that his old man was an early severe critic of those cameras. hmmm
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 3:56 pm
When one understands in advance that these “opportunities” are the reason many people enter the political arena (not public service), one is far less surprised when these “events” happen. My professor in freshman year Poli Sci at the U of I did a good job covering this phenomenon.
Comment by Responsa Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 4:04 pm
Looks like his dad’s going to need to win some more blackjack hands over at the Horseshoe in Hammond to help with legal defense…
Comment by Just a guy Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 4:14 pm
Not at all interested in hearing from Durkin on this one. His party is currently attempting to violently extort political power despite losing elections, and he can’t bring himself to accurately name the Democratic Party.
Comment by vern Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 4:24 pm
This Jones III guy doesn’t appear to be the sharpest tool in the shed. One wonders how he ever got elected to the state senate…
Comment by Friendly Bob Adams Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 4:24 pm
What happened to DOJ’s 60 day rule before elections ?
This is old conduct. Why act now ?
Comment by Scott Cross for President Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 4:29 pm
Rob a Walmart not a 7-11. Go big or go home if you are taking a chance of prison time.
Comment by Nieva Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 4:47 pm
==== What happened to DOJ’s 60 day rule before elections ?====
Probably only applies when the official has an actual race.
Comment by Been There Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 4:53 pm
=Perhaps LP can take one day off of being a troll.=
Nah. Too many “undeserving” people would get to cross the bridge then
Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 4:58 pm
=== What happened to DOJ’s 60 day rule before elections? ===
Good question. Seems inconsistent.
=== Probably only applies when the official has an actual race. ===
It would be a horrible breach of the intent of the policy if they’re making that judgment.
Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 5:07 pm
=Probably only applies when the official has an actual race.=
They seem to be following the rule with the former President and last I checked he wasn’t running for anything. I get why the rule exists but I can also see the benefit of bringing charges when a crime is know to have been committed regardless of any upcoming election.
Comment by Pundent Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 5:13 pm
Not a defense, but something to remember when it comes to charges of “lying” to the feds: The G-men chat with you once and take notes, they chat with you a second time and take notes. They go back to the office, compare the notes, and if the notes don’t match, they charge you with “lying.” It’s used as a kind of foundational charge that is very difficult to fight. That’s why you should never, ever talk to the feds.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 6:18 pm
Shame that the Illinois GOP has gone whole hog on Christian nationalism spiced with some bigotry and homophobia.
Comment by Candy Dogood Tuesday, Sep 20, 22 @ 8:40 pm