There’s a possible plea deal in the works for former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert.
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The indictment of Hastert does not say what underlying alleged wrongdoing he was trying to keep quiet, but unnamed law enforcement officials have told a number of media outlets that it involved sexual misconduct.
A few years after he left the House, according to the indictment against Hastert, he was approached by “Individual A” and agreed to pay $3.5 million to cover up “past misconduct”.
The former speaker pleaded not guilty to the charges in a highly anticipated June 9 arraignment in Chicago.
“In open court this morning there was acknowledgement by both parties that there have been plea discussions”, Zachary Fardon, the top federal prosecutor for the Northern District of Illinois, told reporters after a speech at the City Club of Chicago. He’s free on bond.
Legal experts said Hastert, who did not attend the hearing, has a strong incentive to reach a plea agreement and avoid trial. A deal would mean that “Individual A”, whose identity has never been made public, would not have to testify. He said it could undermine Hastert’s right to a fair trial.
During a hearing in July, Hastert’s lead attorney, Thomas C. Green, noted that the media reports about Hastert’s alleged past sexual misconduct were the “800-pound gorilla” in the case.
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Federal Election Commission records showed Durkin donated $500 to the “Hastert for Congress” campaign in 2002 and $1,000 in 2004. Green said he wasn’t sure how or whether to address those allegations as he prepared for trial. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Block said prosecutors “absolutely do not agree with the motion”.
