Hearing set for former state rep charged in child porn case
A federal judge on Monday set a Dec. 3 court date to hear whether former state Rep. Keith Farnham wants to change his not-guilty plea on charges of possessing child pornography.
Judge Edmond Chang will set a trial date if Farnham decides to stick to his not-guilty plea.
Farnham, 66, of Elgin, resigned his seat March 19 after federal agents raided his home. Federal authorities say they recovered images of child pornography on several computers, including one owned by the state.
Farnham was released on an individual recognizance bond in April and ordered confined to his home except for physician visits, counseling sessions and meetings with his attorney. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey T. Gilbert also prohibited Farnham from using a computer, accessing the Internet or having unsupervised contact with anyone younger than 18.
A former commercial painter, Farnham was first elected to the Illinois House in 2008.
Federal prosecutors declined to comment on Monday's proceedings. Defense attorney Terry Ekl did not immediately return calls.
In July, Ekl referred to the possibility of resolving the case without a trial. But neither he nor federal prosecutors have acknowledged any plea negotiations.