SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Lawyers for former Illinois Congressman Aaron Schock want his corruption case moved from Springfield to Peoria.
Schock's attorneys contend in a motion filed Monday the case has no connection to Springfield, and called Peoria more convenient and appropriate.
The 35-year-old Schock is accused of using government and campaign money to subsidize a lavish lifestyle, as well as pocketing thousands of constituents' dollars. Prosecutors say the disgraced Republican hosted Washington tours and meet-and-greets, charged a fee and kept some of the cash.
Defense attorneys noted that although some of Schock's alleged misconduct occurred in Chicago and Washington, D.C., the government's case rests on the testimony of up to 24 witnesses from Peoria. They said it appeared Springfield was chosen only for the convenience of prosecutors.
U.S. attorney spokeswoman Sharon Paul said the office had no comment.