Derrick Smith

Another State Lawmaker Faces Federal Charges

WNIJ — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 10:39:10 +0000

State Representative LaShawn Ford stands accused of 17 counts of bank fraud and lying to the bank. Federal prosecutors say the Chicago Democrat took out a line of credit worth a half million dollars starting in 2006 from the now-failed ShoreBank. Ford owns a real estate company.

Illinois House expels Rep. Derrick Smith

WNIJ — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 19:25:51 +0000

For the first time in more than a century, the Illinois House has voted to kick out one of its members.

Derrick Smith, a Democrat who had represented the west side of Chicago, is charged with taking a $7,000 bribe in exchange for helping a daycare secure a state grant.

Although he's fighting the charge in court, legislators say his removal is warranted because it's clear he crossed the line.

House will convene Aug. 17 on Smith's fate

Brian Mackey — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 17:07:45 +0000

The Illinois House of Representatives will convene for one day next month to consider whether to expel one of its own.

A day after a special House committee recommended that Rep. Derrick Smith, D-Chicago, lose his seat, Speaker Michael Madigan told members to be in Springfield on Friday, Aug. 17.

Indicted state representative wants hearing delayed

WNIJ — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 15:20:07 +0000

A special legislative panel is scheduled to hold its final disciplinary hearing against indicted State Rep. Derrick Smith, D-Chicago, next Thursday, but Smith's attorneys want that timeline pushed back.

Smith was arrested in March on charges that he accepted a $7,000 bribe in exchange for helping a day care center get a state grant.

Although he's pleaded not guilty in federal court, there's no requirement that the General Assembly wait for a final verdict. The Illinois House is free to mete out punishment -- including taking away his seat.