Former 18th District Congressman Aaron Schock was officially cleared of federal criminal charges alleging he used his campaign funds for private finances. Completing what is known as a deferred prosecution deal, federal prosecutors in Chicago dropped all charges against the former Peoria-based congressman after he completed a probationary period where he stayed out of trouble and paid back nearly $68,000 to his campaign funds that he used for personal expenses. Schock has also worked out a plan with the Internal Revenue Service to pay back taxes.
The brief hearing today in U.S. District court completed a nearly 3-year corruption case officially clears Schock’s record. Schock can freely run for public office again if he chooses, according to a report from the Chicago Tribune. Schock was not present in court this morning for the final hearing and has made no public comment since the plea back in early March.
