Illinois Senator Emil Jones III took the stand in a federal bribery case involving red-light camera executive Omar Maani, describing the interactions as giving him a “strange” feeling.
Jones testified that he realized Maani was attempting to bribe him, sharing a text message from July 2019 where he joked, “LMAO Omar trying to make sure I don’t file my red light camera bill anymore. He thinks steak 48 will do it.”
During cross-examination, Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Ardam pressed Jones on his inaction following the alleged bribe, asking him why he didn’t report it to his ethics officer or contact the FBI.
Under oath, Jones admitted he knew from training that he was required to report any attempt at bribery to the Illinois State Police.
Jones acknowledged having “set up” his former intern, 23-year-old Christopher Katz, to be hired by Maani, who also allegedly promised to raise $5,000 for Jones’ campaign while pressuring the senator to alter a bill in Springfield.
When Ardam questioned him about the nature of campaign contributions, Jones answered, “Yes,” affirming that they could be perceived as part of a bribe.
After spending over nine hours testifying across three days, Jones left the witness stand. U.S. District Judge Andrea Wood instructed jurors to return on Monday for closing arguments.
The federal case against Jones has remained captivating, with new revelations emerging during the trial.
One noteworthy moment occurred when Jones unexpectedly mentioned that federal officials sought his help to wear a wire against Tim Egan, CEO of Roseland Community Hospital, in 2020.
The purpose of this request was not divulged, and inquiries about Egan and Roseland hospital were left unanswered, as Egan has not faced any allegations of wrongdoing.
This unexpected admission disrupted courtroom proceedings for over an hour due to a private sidebar debate among legal representatives. Eventually, Judge Wood instructed jurors to disregard Jones’ comment regarding Egan.
Prosecutors claim that Jones agreed to protect Maani in the Illinois Senate in exchange for money and employment for Katz, who was paid $1,800 by Maani despite performing no work.
Jones had introduced a bill in February 2019 that could have initiated a statewide study of red-light cameras, a move that Maani viewed as detrimental to his business interests.
Unbeknownst to Jones, Maani was cooperating with the FBI and had already been implicated in delivering “benefits” to other public officials.
The alleged agreement between Jones and Maani purportedly arose during two dinners at Jones’ favored dining establishment, Steak 48, in the summer of 2019.
Maani later struck a deal with the federal authorities, which helped him avoid conviction.
The charges against Jones include bribery and lying to the FBI, putting both his freedom and career at stake as the jury nears its verdict, expected next week.
Senate President Don Harmon commented on the trial’s progress, indicating he had been following its developments without having spoken to Jones about the ongoing situation.
Additional insights into Jones’ relationship with Katz surfaced through text messages exchanged in July 2019.
At the time, Katz was seeking financial help from Jones while mentioning plans to visit a strip club. Jones made comments such as “I want to hang out with u” and “I want to see u after.”
When Ardam questioned Jones regarding their interactions late at night, he acknowledged that they hung out at various hours, including at 3 a.m.
Ardam then pointed out the inherent power dynamics involved, emphasizing that Jones, as a state senator, held a position of authority over Katz.
Jones replied that he was not Katz’s employer in 2019, but Ardam reminded him of his prior role as Katz’s employer.
The case took a turn when Jones confessed to once considering cooperating with federal prosecutors during discussions in February 2020, while navigating advice to wear a wire against Egan.
Jones expressed his complex feelings about his career amidst the investigations, stating, “I was thinking about my career and all the good things I have done.”
However, he then recounted that agents wanted him to perform actions he was not willing to undertake, including secretly recording his colleagues.
Jones also addressed questions concerning his familial connection to Emil Jones Jr., the former Senate President who led the chamber from 2003 until 2009.
When asked about being appointed to his father’s seat, Jones repeatedly maintained that he was not appointed from August to November 2008, despite an established history suggesting otherwise.
Ardam attempted to clarify the timeline, reiterating that Jones III was actually chosen to fill his father’s position on the ballot in the November 2008 election.
Jones defended his claim, insisting his actual Senate tenure began in 2009, despite the surrounding controversy.
As the trial progresses, the stakes remain high for Jones, with the jury set to deliver its verdict in the coming days.
image source from：https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-corruption-trials/2025/04/17/state-sen-emil-jones-iii-feds-wear-wire-roseland-community-hospital-ceo
