Jury deliberations begin in Chicago bribery case

CHICAGO (AP) - A federal jury has begun deliberations in the trial of a former Chicago official accused of taking bribes to steer $100 million in red-light camera contracts to a Phoenix company.

Prosecutors accuse John Bills, the former second in command at Chicago's Department of Transportation, of accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and gifts to help Redflex Traffic Systems obtain contracts.

In final arguments Monday, U.S. Attorney Zach Fardon pointed out hotels stays, golf trips, an Arizona condominium, a South Side Chicago apartment and a Mercedes given Bills for his efforts.

Defense attorney Nishay Sanan said Bills didn't have the power to steer contracts. He said everyone knows Chicago political machine and Bills is "not the guy you go to."

However, prosecutors produced emails in which Bills describes his efforts for Redflex.