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Farnham sentencing for child porn moved to Elgin

A judge in Keith Farnham's child pornography case is taking the rare step of moving the ex-Illinois lawmaker's sentencing from Chicago's federal courthouse to a site closer to the Democrat's Elgin home.

Judge Edmond Chang agreed that the former state representative's deteriorating mental and physical health makes it difficult for him to travel. So he'll be sentenced Thursday at the Illinois Appellate Court, 2nd District, at 55 Symphony Way in downtown Elgin, about two miles from his home.

The 67-year-old faces between five and 20 years in prison for transporting child pornography.

Farnham's attorney, Terry Ekl, said changing venues rarely happens.

"It is an unusual situation," he said. "In my 40-plus years, this is the first time I've seen this happen."

Ekl did not say whether his client or members of his family will testify during the sentencing. Federal prosecutors had indicated a victim might speak at Farnham's sentencing. Chang will rule on that before Thursday, Ekl said.

The defense says lung disease will likely kill Farnham within four months. But Chang wouldn't rule on a request to let Farnham stay under house arrest after sentencing. He says he'll decide that issue Thursday.

• Daily Herald staff writer Barbara Vitello contributed to this report.

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