Decades-old allegation may delay plea deal for Farnham

An investigation into a 30-year-old misconduct allegation may delay a possible plea agreement in the case of former state Rep. Keith Farnham, who was indicted on child pornography charges in May.

A federal prosecutor told U.S. District Court Judge Edmond Chang that he will need “a few weeks more” to investigate the matter.

Without going into details, Farnham’s attorney, Terry Ekl, referred to the decades-old allegation as “potential misconduct.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Storino said the allegation may affect the sentencing guidelines in the case of a plea.

In July, Ekl said in court that his client is talking with prosecutors about a possible plea agreement; that comes two months after Farnham was indicted on child pornography charges.

A federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment against Farnham for charges of possessing, receiving and transporting child pornography — including material involving a minor under age 12.

Farnham is due back in court Oct. 27.