WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department has launched a formal criminal investigation into the office and campaign expenses of resigning Illinois Rep. Aaron Schock, as well as his personal business dealings with political donors, a person familiar with the case told The Associated Press on Friday.
The government was convening a federal grand jury in Springfield, Illinois, and the FBI has begun issuing subpoenas to compel people close to the Republican congressman to testify, the person said. The person spoke only on grounds of anonymity because the person wasn’t authorized to publicly discuss the case. The grand jury was hearing testimony in early April, according to the subpoenas.
Schock abruptly resigned on Tuesday, citing a “heavy heart,” following six weeks of revelations about his business deals and lavish spending on trips, mileage reimbursements and office decor in the style of “Downton Abbey.”
Schock, 33, a young, media-savvy Republican, said in a statement earlier this week that the constant questions about his spending and business dealings made it impossible to serve effectively as congressman.
The questions raised have included Associated Press investigations of his real estate transactions, air travel and Instagram use. On Monday, the AP confirmed that the Office of Congressional Ethics had reached out to Schock’s associates as it apparently began an investigation.
House Speaker John Boehner was not informed of Schock’s resignation before it was announced but has said he supports the decision.