Judge OKs use of lawmaker's post-arrest statement

A federal judge says prosecutors can use potentially damaging comments that state Rep. Derrick Smith made to authorities after his arrest for bribery.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported Wednesday that Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman dismissed arguments from Smith that his alleged admission of wrongdoing hours after his arrest shouldn't be used at his upcoming trial.

Smith's attorney is Joshua Adams. He acknowledged that Smith was told that any comments could be used against him in court, but says his client thought he was in a "plea negotiation."

Smith was indicted on charges that he accepted a $7,000 bribe from a day care operator seeking a state grant. He was impeached from the Illinois House in 2012, but re-elected months later. The Chicago Democrat lost his latest primary race in March.