Schock wants trial freeze continued until high court hears his appeal

CHICAGO — Former U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock’s lawyers have told a federal judge in Illinois they intend to appeal to the Supreme Court and want a freeze on his corruption trial to continue until the high court reviews his case.

Their filing Monday in Urbana argues that having to prepare for the appeal and trial simultaneously would be burdensome. They say the appellate process could run into 2019.

The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in May refused to dismiss his case. The Peoria Republican had argued his prosecution violated separation-of-powers clauses.

The Supreme Court must first decide whether to even hear his appeal. It hears only a handful of cases annually.

Schock resigned in 2015 and was indicted on allegations he misused funds in 2016. The 37-year-old has pleaded not guilty.