Attorneys for Aaron Schock ask judge to postpone arraignment

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Attorneys for former Illinois Congressman Aaron Schock are asking a federal judge to postpone his arraignment on charges alleging he schemed to profit personally from his government job.

In a request made Tuesday to U.S. District Judge Sue E. Myerscough, Schock's lawyers say a Nov. 21 arraignment will interfere with a planned international business trip by the Peoria Republican.

Schock's attorneys asked that his arraignment be shifted to Dec. 12-15, noting federal prosecutors did not object to rescheduling the proceeding. They also say the hearing date conflicted with their schedules.

The 35-year-old Schock was indicted by a federal grand jury last week on 24 felony counts. He is accused of several crimes, including theft of government funds, fraud, making false statements and filing false tax returns.