Closing Arguments in Derrick Smith Trial

Smith has denied any wrongdoing.

Closing arguments have started at the Chicago trial of an Illinois lawmaker accused of accepting a $7,000 bribe from a day care center operator.

Prosecutor Marsha McClellan addressed jurors Monday morning, saying state Rep. Derrick Smith "took advantage of his office to put cash in his pockets." She also referred to secret recordings where the Chicago Democrat appears to plot about taking the bribe.

Smith has denied any wrongdoing.

Federal prosecutors' week-long case consisted mainly of secret recordings of Smith made by a campaign worker-turned-informant. Smith's defense attorneys sought to attack the informant's credibility.

The day care center turned out to be fictitious and part of an FBI sting.

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