Hastert seeks probation, offers vague apology for 'misconduct' [View all]
Source: Politico
Lawyers for former House Speaker Dennis Hastert are asking a federal judge to spare him jail time for violating a federal anti-money laundering law, but are remaining vague about the nature of the decades-old misconduct he agreed to pay at least $3.5 million to keep quiet.
In a filing submitted to a federal judge in Chicago, Hastert's legal team acknowledged that he caused harm to others with his behavior years ago, but they did not offer any detailed response to claims that the former speaker had sexual contact with students when he was an Illinois high school teacher and wrestling coach before entering politics in the 1980s.
"Neither we as his lawyers, nor Mr. Hastert, have the present insight to understand and reconcile the unfortunate and harmful incidents he caused decades ago with the enduring achievements, leadership, and generosity that earned him extraordinary affection and respect throughout this country during his many years of public service," Hastert attorney Tom Green and other lawyers wrote. "What we do know is that he will stand before the Court having deteriorated both physically and emotionally, undoubtedly in part due to public shaming and humiliation of an unprecedented degree."
Hastert was indicted in May on charges that he structured about $1 million in bank withdrawals in order to avoid federal reporting requirements and that he lied to FBI agents investigating the matter. The indictment said the money was part of $3.5 million the former speaker agreed to pay an unnamed associate to cover up and compensate for Hastert's past misconduct. Press reports said the wrongdoing involved sexual encounters with male students, but the indictment was silent on that point and federal officials would not comment publicly about it.
Read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2016/04/dennis-hastert-probation-prison-221653
He's so slimy.
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