SPRINGFIELD — Former Rep. Aaron Schock pleaded not guilty Monday to two dozen counts of felony corruption, including wire and mail fraud, falsifying federal campaign forms, stealing government funds and filing false tax returns.
Schock has maintained his innocence since federal prosecutors handed down a 24-count indictment in November accusing the disgraced former Illinois lawmaker of using his campaign accounts and congressional office to pocket money and purchase goods worth thousands of dollars.
Schock, 35, is set to face trial on Feb. 7, although that date could get pushed back if his lawyers request more time given the large number of documents tied to the case.
Federal prosecutors did not make a statement following the hearing. And while many conditions of Schock's bond are sealed in a pretrial report, some issues did come up during the arraignment and were debated by the prosecution and the defense team.
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I never understood the “not guilty” plea. Like, what’s the point? So very few defendants are actually innocent that it makes no sense and everybody knows that the guilty lie. “Not guilty” should only be heard at the end of trial, upon acquittal.
uhm take some civics.. its the burden of the state to prove guilt. And its the right of every defendant. It’s what all defendants are asked when a trial starts…
“So very few defendants are actually innocent that it makes no sense and everybody knows that the guilty lie. ”
The next time you are asked to serve on a jury tell them what you wrote above. They have a right to exclude you from a jury for that attitude. And the defendant has a right to someone who has a mind thats open and not closed.
Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power. – Abe Lincoln
Of the 24 counts, SOMETHING will stick.
In case you hadn’t noticed, I didn’t say that jury trials should be eliminated, just the lying. That is what it is for the most part.
Why don’t you take a reading comprehension course, moron?