American Greed: Scams, Scoundrels and Scandals Season 14 Episode 8 The 'Con' In Congress

In American Greed: Scams, Scoundrels and Scandals season 14 episode 8 titled "The 'Con' In Congress," viewers are taken through a scandal that rocked the political world of Illinois. The episode begins with a background on Aaron Schock, a former representative of the 18th Congressional District of Illinois. Schock was considered to be one of the rising stars of the Republican Party and was known for his luxurious lifestyle, which included private jets, expensive vacations, and even a Downton Abbey-themed office. However, his carefully curated image soon started to crumble when allegations of financial impropriety and misuse of taxpayer funds began to surface in 2014.

The episode delves into the investigation that was launched against Schock, and how it uncovered a web of deceit and corruption that involved not just the former congressman, but also his aides and campaign contributors. Viewers will get a glimpse of how Schock and his closest confidants falsified campaign finance records, misused government resources, and engaged in a series of illegal activities that violated federal election laws.

As the episode progresses, viewers will witness how Schock and his team employed a variety of tactics to cover up their misdeeds, including the creation of a fake company that was used to funnel money to Schock's personal bank account. They also used a shell company to disguise the purchases of a private jet and other luxury items that were bought using campaign funds.

The episode includes interviews with several key players involved in the investigation, including IRS agents, political analysts, and journalists who covered the case. Viewers will also hear from Schock's former colleagues in Congress, who were shocked by the extent of his illicit activities.

The episode culminates in Schock's indictment and subsequent trial, which generated national interest and media coverage. Viewers will see how the prosecutors built their case against Schock, using evidence gathered from multiple sources, including the testimony of former aides and campaign contributors.

Overall, "The 'Con' In Congress" is a riveting episode that exposes the dark side of political corruption and sheds light on the lengths that some individuals will go to maintain their power and wealth. It serves as a cautionary tale for politicians and voters alike, reminding us that even the most charismatic and successful public figures can be brought down by their own greed and hubris.