The federal trial for former Illinois State Senator Sam McCann has been postponed until February. McCann, a Republican senator from 2010 to 2019, is facing charges related to the alleged misuse of over $200,000 in campaign funds for personal expenses.
Originally scheduled to begin on Monday, the trial was delayed after McCann opted to represent himself. U.S. District Judge Colleen Lawless rescheduled the trial for February 5.
Prosecutors claim McCann organized political committees that received over $5 million in campaign donations between 2011 and 2018. They accuse him of using campaign funds for personal purchases, including vehicles, loan payments, and mortgage settlements.
Specific allegations include using campaign funds for a Ford Expedition and a Ford F-250 for personal travel and diverting funds for a recreational travel trailer and motorhome. Prosecutors also contend that McCann engaged in a self-rental scheme, causing over $77,000 in campaign funds to be spent.
Other charges include using campaign funds to settle personal loans, paying himself through the Conservative Party of Illinois, and covering various personal expenses. McCann is also accused of tax evasion for failing to report income related to RV rentals in 2018.
In total, estimated losses from McCann's actions between 2015 and 2020 exceed $200,000.
McCann pleaded not guilty. A guilty verdict could bring over 45 years in prison and a one million dollar fine.
Most recently, McCann ran for Governor in 2018 under the self-formed Conservative Party and finished third behind current Democratic Governor JB Pritzker and then-incumbent Republican Governor Bruce Rauner.
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