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Farnham Discussing Possible Plea Deal On Child Porn Charges

CHICAGO (AP) -- A lawyer for a former Illinois state representative charged with child pornography has told a federal judge his client is talking with prosecutors about a possible plea agreement.

That word came Thursday at a status hearing in Chicago for Keith Farnham. The 66-year-old Elgin Democrat has pleaded not guilty to possessing, receiving and transporting child pornography.

Attorney Terry Ekl told reporters later that he'll know more by the next status hearing on Sept. 2. He says he'll either announce a deal's done or ask for a trial date.

A frail-looking Farnham stood in court Thursday clutching an oxygen tank. His attorneys say he's suffering from bladder cancer, pulmonary fibrosis and hepatitis.

Recently, the judge permitted Farnham to temporarily remove an electronic ankle bracelet so he could undergo a brain scan.

(TM and © Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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