Aaron Schock, former Illinois congressman, turns over financial records to federal prosecutors

Former Illinois Rep. Aaron Schock has agreed to turn over roughly 3,000 records to federal prosecutors to avoid a “prolonged legal battle.”

Mr. Schock’s lawyers on Friday agreed to turn over the records, which have been twice subpoenaed in the lengthy investigation into the Republican’s use of congressional and campaign funds.

“Instead of awaiting the results of that review, the government circumvented this process by issuing a second subpoena to Mr. Schock for the very documents the Court has been reviewing,” Mr. Schock’s law firm, McGuire Woods, said in a statement, the Chicago-Sun Times reported.

“Rather than engage in a prolonged legal battle over the propriety of this new subpoena, Mr. Schock and his counsel agreed to turn over these additional documents to the government,” the statement said. “He has met his obligations and more while maintaining constitutional and legal privileges shared by all citizens.”

Mr. Schock stepped down from office on March 31, following growing speculation about his spending habits, including money he used to redecorate his congressional office.

Federal investigators have subpoenaed all financial, campaign and accounting records from Mr. Schock.

Investigators are particularly interested in Mr. Schock’s travel expenses and have asked for copies of “itineraries, calendars, schedules, modes of transportation, costs and reimbursements,” the Chicago-Sun Times said.