CHICAGO (AP) — A former Illinois state representative is deciding whether to change his plea to guilty in a child pornography case.

A lawyer for Elgin Democrat Keith Farnham said Monday during a hearing in Chicago federal court that his client is negotiating a plea deal. If that falls through, attorney Terry Ekl says Farnham still could plead guilty without a deal or choose to go to trial.

The 66-year-old Farnham pleaded not guilty earlier this year to possessing, receiving and transporting child pornography.

Judge Edmond Chang scheduled a change-of-plea hearing for Dec. 3. The judge will set a trial date if Farnham decides to stick to his not-guilty plea.

Farnham appeared in court clutching an oxygen tank. His attorneys say he’s suffering from bladder cancer, pulmonary fibrosis and hepatitis.

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