LaShawn Ford honored at West Side church

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Illinois State Representative LaShawn Ford was honored at a church service on Chicago's West Side five days after prosecutors dropped 17 felony charges against him.

The charges were dropped in exchange for Ford pleading guilty to filing a false tax return in 2007.

Reverend Ira Acree of Greater St. John Bible Church says Ford is a model of what courageous leadership is all about.

Ford was accused of lying to a bank in order to boost his line of credit and then using some of that money to pay personal expenses.

His misdemeanor charge means Ford can keep his job as state representative.