Warrant shows search for child porn at Farnham's office

A warrant for the search of former state Rep. Keith Farnham's Elgin legislative office shows authorities were looking for evidence of the possession of child pornography.

The warrant, released by the Illinois House in response to a Freedom of Information Act request by the Chicago Tribune, was executed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations officials at the Democrat's office last week.

First in its list of items to be looked for are "documents in any format or medium pertaining to the possession, receipt, or distribution of child pornography."

The warrant shows the intent to take computers, hard drives and other electronic devices that could have evidence of child pornography. It also says computers would be returned to the office after 30 days if nothing illegal is found on them.

Farnham resigned his House seat Wednesday saying he's had "serious health issues" and has not been charged with any wrongdoing.

"This is to notify you that, effective immediately, I hereby resign my position as representative in the General Assembly for the 43rd Representative District of the state of Illinois," his resignation letter said.

Farnham hasn't returned requests for comment and hasn't been available to answer questions at his home.

Representatives of the U.S. attorney's office in Chicago and ICE have confirmed Farnham's home and office were searched but have otherwise declined to elaborate.

Farnham was unopposed in Tuesday's primary election, but local Democrats have begun moving to fill his spot in Springfield and on the ballot. No Republican has yet filed to run in the district.

Farnham began his work in the Illinois House after a hotly contested campaign in 2008 against Republican Ruth Munson. He won re-election in 2010 and 2012.

Despite his claim of health issues, Farnham had perfect attendance in Springfield so far in 2014, making it to lawmakers' first 12 meetings before resigning this week.