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Indicted Lawmaker to Return to General Assembly

St Rep. Derrick Smith of Chicago arrested in March on bribery charge
St Rep. Derrick Smith of Chicago arrested in March on bribery charge

The lawyer for indicted State Rep. Derrick Smith says the Chicago democrat plans to return to work in Springfield despite numerous calls for him to step down.Victor Henderson says Smith takes his responsibility as a State Representative very seriously and he plans to return to the general assembly soon.  A federal grand jury indicted smith Tuesday for allegedly taking a $7,000 bribe in exchange for endorsing a daycare's state grant application.  The incident was part of a sting, and smith faces 10-years in prison if convicted.   A spokesman for U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald declined comment. Politicians including Governor Pat Quinn have asked Smith to resign.

A Chicago alderman said this week Smith should quit or return to work.

 

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