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Former Congressman Aaron Schock Pleads Not Guilty

Former Congressman Aaron Schock has pleaded not guilty to federal corruption charges.

It happened Monday afternoon in Springfield’s federal courthouse. That’s just across the street from what had been one of the 35-year-old Republican’s district offices.

Prosecutors say he defrauded constituents, donors, and the government out of more than $100,000. The indictment says he used the money for private airplane travel, stereo equipment, and tickets to sporting events, which he resold for a profit.

Shock says he looks forward to "all the facts coming out."

“I have full confidence in my legal team, full confidence in the good people of this community,” Schock says.

Shock’s lawyers successfully fought to let him continue spending money from his campaign funds, which contain about $379,000. Schock has already used donor money to pay his lawyers $1.5 million.

Brian Mackey formerly reported on state government and politics for NPR Illinois and a dozen other public radio stations across the state. Before that, he was A&E editor at The State Journal-Register and Statehouse bureau chief for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin.
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