Donor sues Aaron Schock for fraud

A Chicago lawyer on Wednesday filed a lawsuit accusing former Rep. Aaron Schock (R-Ill.) of defrauding him of money donated during the 2012 election cycle.

Howard Foster is suing the ex-congressman over $500 he contributed to Schock’s 2012 reelection campaign, The Chicago Tribune reported. Foster’s lawsuit accuses Schock of racketeering and fraud during his tenure in office.

“Plaintiff, like all Schock donors, gave money to the rising young Republican Congressman because he believed Mr. Schock was ethical, a breath of fresh air in Illinois politics and had a bright future in Congress,” the filing states.

{mosads}“However, the opposite was true, and while Schock may have been a new, young face in Congress, he willingly followed well-tread paths of political sleaze for personal gain,” it continued.

Foster’s lawsuit alleges Schock violated the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, also known as RICO. He is seeking class-action status on behalf of other contributors to Schock’s campaign.

Facing mounting accusations of misusing taxpayer funds, Schock resigned from Congress last month.

“I leave here with sadness and humility,” Schock told his colleagues in a farewell speech delivered on the House floor March 26.

“For those whom I’ve let down, I will work tirelessly to make it up to you,” he added.

Federal prosecutors began investigating Schock on March 20. Reports have raised questions about his use of campaign and taxpayer dollars for trips, mileage reimbursements and redecorating his House office.

A federal judge on Tuesday scheduled the special election to fill Schock’s vacant seat. Voters in Illinois’s 18th District will cast ballots in a July 7 primary, followed by a general election planned for Sept. 10.

State Sen. Darin LaHood (R) is considered the favorite for winning Schock’s seat. LaHood, the son of former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, is a popular GOP member in the predominantly Republican district. The elder LaHood held the seat for more than a decade before joining the Obama administration.