Bryson, left, and El-Amin

ST. LOUIS — Former State Rep. Talibdin “T.D.” El-Amin has released a statement saying that city public safety chief Charles Bryson had nothing to do with the bribery plot that pushed El-Amin out of office.

According to court documents, El-Amin told a gas station owner that he had a City Hall department head who could help him fight back against increased city inspections — but the official would need $1,000 for his assistance.

El-Amin was already accepting bribes himself from the station owner, who, unknown to El-Amin, was cooperating with federal investigators.

The department head was unnamed in court, but this week Bryson acknowledged it was him. Bryson, however, says he was no way involved in El-Amin’s crimes, suggesting El-Amin was using his name to inflate his own clout.

Now, El-Amin say’s he right. Here’s his statement:

There’s been no past communication with any public official, including Mr. Bryson that was ever predicated upon any deal with that individual.

I’ve stated this privately in legal and investigative circles, and now I state it publically . I am the lone actor in my own legal saga.

I believe there exists no reason that Mr. Bryson’s integrity and professionalism should be questioned.

It is my hope and earnest desire that as it relates to my legal situation that Mr. Bryson or anyone else even remotely tied through past communication or association be held harmless.

Any harm that has come from such, I extend my sincerest apologies.

The buck with me, stops with me!

“TD” El-Amin

El-Amin’s words offer a contrast to the previous view expressed by his attorney, Paul D’Agrosa, who said that it would be up to law enforcement to decide if Bryson was involved.