By Eric Stock
CHICAGO – Former federal prosecutor Pat Brady said secret audio recordings of Aaron Schock that the government could use in the former congressman’s corruption case could prove to be damaging evidence against him if it’s allowed in court.
PODCAST: Listen to Scott’s interview with Brady on WJBC.
“When you have someone sitting there who looks good with a suit and tie on but you hear them over a wire saying criminal things, it’s devastating to your case as a defense lawyer,” Brady said.
Brady, who is also a Republican strategist and former head of the Illinois Republican Party, told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin, the Shock defense will have to convince a judge that the recordings, done by a former Shock staffer, were a violation of his rights against illegal search and seizure.
Schock’s lawyers filed papers on Tuesday claiming the confidential informant stole work documents, travels receipts and emails. The defense also claims that secretly-recorded conversations between Shock and his staffers over legal matters were a violation of attorney-client privilege.
The Peoria Republican awaits a July 11 trial date on charges he filed false income tax returns and misused government and campaign funds. He resigned from his U.S. House seat in 2015 amid the federal probe. He was indicted last year.
Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].
