A federal judge in central Illinois has tossed two counts in a 24-count indictment of former Rep. Aaron Schock, including a wire fraud allegation, but he still faces serious charges.
Judge Colin Bruce ruled that prosecutors would have to rely on legislative rules to prove the allegation that Schock he pocketed thousands of dollars by arranging meet-and-greets for his constituents in Washington. He found that would violate constitutional provisions separating the executive, legislative and judicial branches.
Judge Bruce let stand 22 other counts in the 2016 indictment. The Peoria Republican has pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutors say Schock illegally sought reimbursement in government funds for lavish spending, including $5,000 on a chandelier for his Washington office, which he was redecorating in the style of the "Downton Abbey" TV series.
