
CHICAGO (CBS) — Former State Rep. Derrick Smith was sentenced to five months in prison, for his conviction for taking a $7,000 cash bribe from a trusted campaign aide who was secretly working for the FBI.
Federal prosecutors wanted to see Smith serve nearly five years in prison for taking a bribe from an FBI informant posing as a daycare center operator seeking Smith’s support for a state grant.
U.S. District Judge Sharon Coleman had harsh words for Smith, saying he squandered the opportunities given to him when those she called “political gods” appointed him to the Illinois House, but began extorting money within months of taking office.
However, she felt long jail time would be a waste of money after an expensive investigation and prosecution, and didn’t think the public should have to pay to house Smith for years.