(RALEIGH) -- State House Speaker Thom Tillis is recommending that Rep. Stephen LaRoque of Kinston resign his seat.  The move comes after LaRoque was indicted on federal charges earlier this week.

"It's as much to allow Rep. LaRoque time to focus his attention on the legal matter before him," said Tillis.  "I hope Rep. LaRoque has a good defense as he goes through the judicial process.  He has been indicted. He has not been convicted.  That is something that needs to be resolved between Rep. Laroque and the courts."

LaRoque was indicted on charges he took hundreds of thousands of federal money as a loan to his company then moved the money to another company he owned.  The charge is that LaRoque then used the money to benefit members of his family.

LaRoque has declined to comment on Tillis' statement or any other matters related to the case. He would not be returning to the legislature next year anyway since he lost in the May primary election.  Rep. Tillis' concern is if lawmakers are called back to Raleigh to deal with a veto or other legislative matters before the end of the year.