Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert arrives at the federal courthouse Wednesday,April 27, 2016, in Chicago, for his sentencing on federal banking charges which he pled guilty to last year. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
By Nick Gale, WLS News
(CHICAGO) Former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert has been sentenced to 15 months in prison and a $250,000 fine in a hush-money case.
Hastert acknowledged in court this morning that he abused some boys while he was the wrestling coach at Yorkville High School, decades ago. In a shock to those in the courtroom, one of the alleged victims was Scott Cross, brother of former Illinois House Minority Leader Tom Cross. Scott Cross testified at Wednesday’s sentencing, saying he decided to do so after Hastert went to his brother asking for a letter of support. Scott Cross says he told his brother, wife and parents about the abuse after details emerged in the case.
Hastert was not sentenced for his action back when he was at Yorkville, but rather for a bank fraud case where he illegally structured bank withdrawals to pay hush money to “Individual A.” But before sentencing, the judge had strong words for Hastert.
“If you told the truth, I’m not sure we’d be here today but you didn’t and here we are,” said Judge Thomas Durkin. He also called Hastert a child molester on several occasions.
Durkin has yet to set a date when Hastert will have to report to prison. He left court with his family.
Hastert’s lagal troubles are not over, however. “Individual A” has filed a lawsuit against Hastert claiming a breach of contract.
@ 2016 WLS News
