Congressman Aaron Schock's father says the facts will "convict or exonerate" his son. Richard Schock is a Peoria doctor. He says recent investigative reports on the 33-year-old congressman's lavish spending and improper expense reporting were "untrue" and "absolutely ridiculous." Schock resigned Tuesday. He said in a statement that persistent media reports about his spending had become "a great distraction" that made it too difficult to serve his district.
The Office of Congressional Ethics has reached out to Schock's associates after apparently beginning an investigation.
Richard Schock told ABC's Chicago affiliate earlier Wednesday that his son would be successful in the future "if he is not in jail." Illinois state Senator Darin LaHood has emerged as a leading candidate for Schock's congressional seat.
