CHICAGO (AP) — Former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert’s attorneys are talking with prosecutors about a possible plea deal in the Republican’s hush-money case, both sides told a federal judge Monday.
The disclosure came during a federal court hearing in Chicago, though details weren’t immediately released. Hastert didn’t attend the hearing.
A May indictment alleges that Hastert agreed to pay $3.5 million to someone identified only as “Individual A” to hide past misconduct. The Associated Press and other media, citing anonymous sources, have reported the payments were intended to conceal claims of sexual misconduct decades ago.
Gallo characterized the talks as “linear and productive.” Prosecutor Steven Block also confirmed the discussions, saying: “This is not a situation where both sides are sitting on their hands.”
The judge set an Oct. 15 deadline for updates.
Authorities allege that Hastert structured cash withdrawals in increments of just under $10,000 in an attempt to avoid reporting rules, and when questioned about it by the FBI, said he was taking the money out because he didn’t trust banks.
Hastert has pleaded not guilty to violating banking laws and lying to the FBI. He’s free on bond.
A deal would mean that “Individual A,” whose identity has never been made public, would not have to testify.
- Posted September 30, 2015
- Tweet This | Share on Facebook
Hastert lawyers talk of possible plea deal
headlines Macomb
- Working to help restore no-fault safeguards
- Nessel announces new DAG opioid settlement website
- Experts to discuss AI, privacy, pregnancy post-Dobbs and more at ABA meeting
- MSHDA Board approves modification to Housing and Community Development Fund in March meeting
- Visa, Mastercard settle long-running antitrust suit over swipe fees with merchants
headlines National
- 50 Years of Service: ABA has been a ‘stalwart ally’ for LSC funding
- ACLU and BigLaw firm use ‘Orange is the New Black’ in hashtag effort to promote NY jail reform
- Biden recalls time he bluffed knowledge of torts case and why he changed his mind about civil-trial work
- Lawyers’ ‘barrage of personal attacks’ on opponents started with tissue-box toss, appeals court says
- Longtime prosecutor resigns after judge tosses him from case, citing Perry Mason-type revelations
- 24% of law students expect to work in public service, survey says