Judge denies new bribery trial for former legislator

A federal judge in Chicago has denied a motion for a new trial filed by a former state legislator convicted of bribery and attempted extortion.

In his motion, former state Rep. Derrick Smith contended the trial judge erred in not allowing him to present an entrapment defense and evidence of entrapment. He also contended the judge gave deficient jury instructions.

Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman on Wednesday dismissed Smith's assertions. She wrote it was clear he wanted to share the proceeds of the bribery and there was no evidence he received an unfair trial because of instructions given jurors.

During Smith's trial, prosecutors played secret recordings of the Chicago Democrat accepting 70 $100 bills in exchange for a letter supporting a state grant. But it was all an FBI sting.