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Prosecutors seek more time to examine ex-state Rep. Farnham's past

U.S. prosecutors asked a federal judge Monday for more time to pursue their case against former state Rep. Keith Farnham, saying they want to look more closely into his background, published reports indicate.

Attorneys alluded to a decades-old allegation of misconduct involving Farnham but did not specify the nature of the allegation.

According to Cook County circuit court records, Farnham was charged with misdemeanor reckless driving in 1994. He pleaded guilty on Dec. 22, 1994, received one year of supervision and was ordered to pay a $500 fine, said a spokesman from the Cook County state's attorney office. Farnham successfully completed the sentence, the spokesman said.

Defense attorney Terry Ekl and federal prosecutors declined to comment on Monday's proceedings.

The Elgin Democrat was charged with possession of child pornography in April. Farnham, who was running for re-election at the time, resigned his seat March 19 after federal agents raided his home and, authorities say, recovered images of child pornography on several computers, including one owned by the state.

A former commercial painter, Farnham was first elected to the Illinois House in 2008.

In April, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey T. Gilbert released Farnham on individual recognizance and ordered him confined to his home except for physician visits, counseling sessions and meetings with his attorney. The judge also prohibited Farnham using a computer, accessing the Internet or having unsupervised contact with anyone younger than 18.

In July, Ekl referred to the possibility of resolving the case without a trial. But neither Ekl nor federal prosecutors have acknowledged any plea negotiations.

Farnham next appears in court on Oct. 27.

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