Red-light camera crooked Chicago politician pleads guilty

Former Illinois state senator Martin Sandoval (D-Chicago) pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to tax evasion and bribery charges. And it appears he may be talking to the feds, which is probably making some other pols quite nervous.

From WGN-TV:

Sandoval is the first politician to go down in a sweeping federal corruption probe, and faces between 10 and 13 years in prison after pleading guilty to the two felony charges. He could serve less time by cooperating with investigators.

Shedding tears while his lawyer tried to comfort him during the hearing Tuesday, Sandoval said he's, “deeply ashamed of my actions."

As part of his plea agreement, Sandoval admits to using his position of power in the state senate to enrich himself, taking at least $250,000 in bribes since 2016.

What might end up being the most interesting part of all is that he's cooperating with federal investigators, although U.S. Attorney John Lausch wouldn't provide details on what information the former senator has agreed to share.