Indicted lawmaker plans return to Springfield

Indicted lawmaker plans return to Springfield

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The lawyer for indicted Illinois state Rep. Derrick Smith says the Chicago Democrat plans to return to work in Springfield despite numerous calls from him to step down.

Victor Henderson told The Associated Press on Wednesday that Smith “takes his responsibility as a state representative very seriously” and that Smith told him he’ll return to the General Assembly shortly.

A federal grand jury indicted Smith Tuesday for allegedly taking a $7,000 bribe in exchange for endorsing a daycare’s state grant application. The incident was part of a sting, and Smith faces 10 years in prison if convicted.

A spokesman for U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald declined comment.

Politicians including Gov. Pat Quinn have asked Smith to resign. A Chicago alderman said this week Smith should quit or go to work.