FBI raids Aaron Schock's campaign office

About a dozen law enforcement officials descended upon the local campaign office of former Rep. Aaron Schock, R-Illinois, on Thursday afternoon, removing boxes and other materials from the building.

According to local media reports, federal agents wearing FBI gear raided the central Illinois office over the course of six hours. They loaded boxes of documents, a computer, and other miscellaneous objects into trucks.

Officers on the scene reportedly referred all media queries to the U.S. attorney for the Central District of Illinois. The U.S. attorney's office declined to comment.

The FBI and the Justice Department opened an investigation in March into the former lawmaker's use of campaign and federal funds after months of press scrutiny over Schock's spending habits.

Schock, well-known for his social media accounts detailing costly travel, was considered a rising star in the Republican party. But the ex-congressman came under fire earlier this year after allegedly receiving reimbursements from the government after irregularities in reporting travel mileage and also for accepting improper gifts as a public official -- including a Capitol Hill office makeover inspired by "Downton Abbey" (Schock later said he would pay the interior decorator).

A federal grand jury convening in the state's capital is currently hearing testimony from former Schock aides about the ex-lawmaker's office and campaign expenses, as well as his relations with donors and other business dealings.

One aide, who was responsible for handling the lawmaker's travel and expense vouchers, testified this week in Springfield. A former paid intern has also been subpoenaed to testify in the criminal probe.

Schock resigned from Congress in late March after six years in office.

"The constant questions over the last six weeks have proven a great distraction that has made it too difficult for me to serve the people of the 18th District with the high standards that they deserve and which I have set for myself," Schock had said in a farewell speech on the House floor.

A primary election to fill Schock's seat is expected to conclude on July 7. A special general election will be held September 10.