WASHINGTON — The Justice Department is investigating whether embattled Rep. Aaron Schock, R-Ill., broke any laws, two people familiar with the case confirmed Friday, a sign that the Republican might face lingering legal issues even as he prepares to step down from Congress.
It was not clear how far along the investigation is or what charges investigators might be contemplating. Schock’s spending from his taxpayer and campaign accounts and some of his mileage reimbursement claims have come under intense scrutiny after weeks of news reports that raised questions about his spending habits.
Word of the Justice Department probe, which was first reported Friday by CNN, came three days after Schock, 33, announced that he would resign his House seat as of March 31.
Schock’s office did not immediately respond Friday to a questions about the investigation.
The people describing the case requested anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter on the record. The government has convened a grand jury to look at evidence related to Schock, they said.
The FBI would not comment on the case, even to verify its existence.
“When there are allegations of public corruption, it is our responsibility to look into those allegations,” said Sean Cox, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Springfield, Ill., Division, in a statement. “As a matter of policy, the FBI does not confirm or deny the existence of an investigation.”
Schock’s former communications director, Ben Cole, who resigned this year after racially charged online comments he made were reported by the media, is among those who have been subpoenaed, according to a person with knowledge of the matter.
Schock’s decision to resign caught his colleagues by surprise, even as it came on the heels of weeks of reports about private plane travel, overseas trips and ticket purchases. The Washington Post reported in February that Schock had remodeled his office after the TV show “Downton Abbey,” attracting attention to his expenditures.
One of the people familiar with the case said the investigation has been going on for weeks. The other, a federal official, said some law enforcement officials were taken by surprise when Schock announced his resignation.
