Illinois Rep. Derrick Smith Convicted Of Bribery

A federal jury in Chicago has convicted Illinois state Rep. Derrick Smith of bribery for taking $7,000 from a purported day care operator.

Jurors returned with their verdict Tuesday after deliberating about four hours over two days.
 
At trial, prosecutors played secret recordings of the 50-year-old Chicago Democrat allegedly accepting 70 $100 bills in exchange for a letter supporting a state grant. But it was all part of an FBI sting.
 
The recordings of Smith were made by a campaign worker-turned-informant.
 
After Smith's arrest, the House voted to expel him. But he was reinstated after his late-2012 election win. He lost his 2014 primary and was supposed to finish his term. However, a conviction means he will lose his seat.

Afterward, Smith addressed the media and said the "jurors didn't see what God saw.'' Smith showed no emotion as the verdict was read in the courtroom.

Smith's attorney said they haven't decided if they would appeal. Smith was released pending a sentencing date, which wasn't set. A status hearing is set for Sept. 23.