Special Illinois House committee opens investigation into Rep. Carol Ammons as federal case unfoldsSPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WLS) -- An Illinois House committee on Thursday launched a formal investigation into state Rep. Carol Ammons, a Democrat from Urbana, who is facing federal corruption charges and could ultimately be expelled from the legislature. "We should not take this process or the discipline of a member lightly," committee chair and Democratic state Rep. Curtis Tarver said during the hearing. She did not attend Thursday's hearing, and legal experts say her absence is likely to continue as the federal case proceeds. "Maybe not to talk to particular witnesses, not to talk about grand jury proceedings, not to talk about conversations with federal prosecutors." House Speaker Chris Welch removed her from committee assignments and the Democratic caucus last month.