Farnham pleads not guilty on child porn charges
Former state Rep. Keith Farnham pleaded not guilty in federal court Wednesday to child pornography charges.
The Elgin Democrat stepped down from his spot in the Illinois House this year soon after his Elgin office and home were searched by federal authorities who later charged him with having child pornography on his state-owned computer.
Randall Samborn, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office in Chicago, said the not guilty plea was routine and that Farnham's next court date is set for July 10.
During the case, Farnham, 66, has been confined to his Elgin home, banned from using the Internet and even from using his patio outside.
He was indicted last month on charges of sharing images of children under 12 engaged in sexual acts. Days before, Farnham began receiving his state pension, a $2,475 payment that included both April and May.
The former commercial painter was first elected to the Illinois House in 2008 and party leaders have since replaced him in the legislature with former Elgin City Council member Anna Moeller.