Undercover video shows conversation between state senators and red-light camera executive

In addition to talk about politics and business, the secretly-recorded conversations played for the jury in the bribery trial of Democratic State Sen. Emil Jones II so far have included a lot of typical male steakhouse banter, peppered at times with expletives and talk of the weather, traffic and the tenderness of Japanese-style Wagyu beef.

There were also several humorous moments, including when Jones recounted the “intervention” of suburban mayors who chastised him for opposing red-light cameras. The episode was led by then-Crestwood Mayor Lou Presta, who would later be convicted of being in SafeSpeed’s pocket.

State Sen. Martin Sandoval, told the group he attended seminary school with Presta’s brother, where they both were studying for “the priesthood.”

“I was a year away from being ordained,” Sandoval said as his companions started to chuckle. “I could have baptized you. You would’ve been able to go to confession with me!”

“They did say politicians and clergymen, priests, they’re all crooked,” Jones shot back as the laughter at the table grew louder.

Sandoval replied, “You never hold back. Not even on Jesus, man!”

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