Farnham attorney requests time for possible plea negotiation
An attorney for former state Rep. Keith Farnham, charged in April with possession of child pornography, asked a federal judge Thursday for more time to pursue possible plea negotiations with federal authorities.
Defense attorney Terry Ekl made the request during a hearing Thursday at the Dirksen Federal Building in Chicago.
Federal agents raided the Elgin Democrat's home and office in March and recovered images of child pornography from several computers - including one owned by the state.
Farnham, who had been running for re-election at the time, resigned his General Assembly seat on March 19, citing health issues.
Farnham has made no decision about a possible plea, Ekl said, adding that he has had no formal discussion with federal prosecutors regarding a possible deal.
"It is an open issue at this point," he said.
In April, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey T. Gilbert released Farnham, 66, on an individual recognizance bond and ordered him confined to his home except for physician visits, counseling sessions and meetings with his attorney. The judge also prohibited Farnham from using a computer, accessing the Internet or having unsupervised contact with anyone younger than 18.
Farnham next appears in federal court on Sept. 2.