Judge sticks to finding that prosecutors misled court in Schock case

PEORIA — A federal judge in central Illinois is standing by one of his findings in the theft-of-government-funds case against former Rep. Aaron Schock.

Judge Colin Bruce posted a brief order Monday rejecting the request by prosecutors that he reconsider his finding that they made false or misleading statements to the court.

Bruce ruled in early October that prosecutors had, as the defense alleged, told grand juries Schock and his lawyer were asked to testify but hadn’t shown up. Suspects aren’t required to testify and defense attorneys said such statements to the grand jurors created bias against the Peoria Republican, who has pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutors conceded their filings on the matter have been confusing but denied misleading Bruce. Bruce’s order says there’s no reason to debate “semantics” with prosecutors.