Lawyers for Dennis Hastert are reportedly in negotiations about a possible guilty plea to charges the former House Speaker was paying to cover-up alleged sexual misconduct with a former male student.
Back in May, Hastert was indicted on charges of structuring cash withdrawals and lying to authorities in connection to $3.5 million in hush-money payments to one of the victims. Hastert pled not guilty to the charges.
The Chicago Tribune reports:
One of Hastert's attorneys, John Gallo, told the judge they have been discussing with federal prosecutors a possible resolution to the case short of a trial. He called the talks both “linear and productive.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Block confirmed that the talks of a plea deal were ongoing and asked the judge for more time.
U.S. District Judge Thomas Durkin asked both sides to have an update by next hearing, scheduled October 15. Hastert remains free on his own recognizance.
