Aaron Schock Indicted on Theft, Fraud Charges
Illinois Republican faced scrutiny over "Downton Abbey" style office on Capitol Hill
Former Rep. Aaron Schock, who resigned his seat last year amid scrutiny over his spending, has been indicted on charges of theft, fraud, making false statements and filing false tax returns, the U.S. attorney in Springfield, Illinois, Jim Lewis, said in a statement Thursday.
The 24-count indictment dates from as far back as 2008 to October 2015, months after the Illinois Republican left Congress. Schock allegedly defrauded the government, campaign committees and submitted false claims, invoices and vouchers to the House.
Lewis said Schock allegedly generated income for himself that resulted in a $100,000 loss to the government, campaign committees and others.
Schock had been under a federal inquiry into lavish spending that included remodeling his Capitol Hill office in the style of the “Downton Abbey” television series.
George Terwilliger, Schock’s attorney, said in a statement to The Associated Press earlier Thursday that an indictment “will look bad, but underneath it is just made-up allegations of criminal activity arising from unintentional administrative errors.”
Schock resigned in May 2015 after coming under fire over real estate deals, extensive travel and other spending documented by media outlets.
Questions about mileage reimbursements and trips on donor’s aircraft were raised.
Schock’s office styling was also being investigated for violating House gift rules by receiving free interior decorating services and improperly using campaign funds to pay for furniture.
The former congressman downplayed the allegations and insisted he didn’t do anything wrong.
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