Keith Farnham
Keith Farnham

CHICAGO (AP) — Prosecutors asked a federal judge Monday for more time to look into the background of a former Illinois state representative who pleaded not guilty to child pornography charges.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Storino said a decades-old allegation may affect a potential plea bargain for Elgin Democrat Keith Farnham, who is charged with possessing, receiving and transporting child pornography.

The details weren’t clear Monday about what prosecutors want more time to review, but defense attorney Terry Ekl referred to an old allegation as “potential misconduct.”

Farnham, who entered the Legislature in 2009, resigned in March after agents searched his home and state office. Farnham said at the time he needed to attend to “serious health issues.”

He has since appeared in court with a portable oxygen tank and says he needs a lung transplant.

Farnham’s next court appearance is set for Oct. 27.
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