Feds: Sentencing Of Ex-Rep Farnham Shouldn't Be Delayed

CHICAGO (AP) -- Prosecutors want a federal judge in Chicago to go ahead with the sentencing of former Illinois Rep. Keith Farnham on a child pornography conviction despite illness that could soon take his life.

A government filing responds to Farnham's request for his March 19 sentencing to be delayed because he suffers from pulmonary fibrosis. The Democrat's lawyers say he likely has less than six months to live.

In their Wednesday filing, prosecutors say they accept Farnham's health problems are serious. But they say he's well enough to attend sentencing.

Prosecutors also argue child pornography victims deserved to see punishment imposed. They say one victim intended to speak at Farnham's sentencing.

Farnham's been under house arrest. He pleaded guilty in December to transporting child pornography and faces a maximum 20-year prison term.