Former Illinois Congressman Aaron Schock, R-18th District

Records in the government’s case against former U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock could be unsealed as soon as next week.

And while the release of documents could be another black eye for the Peoria Republican, the former congressman has gotten some good news.

While his campaign and office expenses are being probed, Schock may be spared having to face contempt of court charges.

Schock resigned in March after accusations surfaced of him reimbursing himself tens of thousands of dollars for use of his personal vehicle, using campaign funds to support a lavish lifestyle, including flights to Bears games, and redecorating his office in a “Downton Abbey” style.

During the ongoing federal investigation of his campaign finances, Schock had been hit with contempt of court charges for failing to turn over certain documents after being subpoenaed. The two sides have reached an agreement that Schock won’t face contempt charges if he turns over the requested documents within 30 days.

“It’s been resolved by agreement,” said Sharon Paul, public information officer for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of Illinois. “There may not be a need to pursue that (contempt charge). Right now, the judge has said the tentative agreement will work.”

Both sides in the case have until Tuesday to make their arguments regarding the redacting of information in the files that are to be unsealed. Once Judge Sue Myerscough decides what should and should not be blackened from the files, the files will be made public. Myerscough’s ruling and the release of the Schock files could come as soon as next week.

Paul is hopeful that the government can move forward in its investigation

“If we get everything resolved, we may tell the court we don’t need the contempt charge,” Paul said.

Paul noted that the U.S. Attorney’s Office asked that the time to respond be extended from Friday until Tuesday.

Court reporter Kathy Sullivan confirmed that Myerscough had granted the extension to the prosecution. Sullivan said Myerscough has up to 21 days to decide on the redacted information once written arguments are submitted.

Schock’s defense said they did not add any redacting requests to what they had already submitted as of Friday’s initial deadline.

“The filing (Friday) was the government’s filing. So there is really nothing for us to say,” said Robert Q. Lewis Jr., senior manager of media relations for the McGuireWoods law firm in Washington D.C., which is representing Schock. “Our information will likely remain under seal. So there is not a lot to add to it.”

A status hearing in the case is planned for Aug. 28.

—  Case against former Congressman Schock to be unveiled —