YORKVILLE – Former U.S. House Speaker Denny Hastert sexually victimized more than one individual, federal investigators confirmed Thursday, and due to serious health issues, sentencing will be delayed until April.
Hastert pleaded guilty last spring to federal charges of illegally removing $952,000 from his accounts in a manner to avoid raising red flags, and lying as to what he was doing with those funds.
Hastert said in his plea that he "didn't want the feds to know how he intended to spend the money."
However, the feds found that Hastert's fund withdrawals were to be used to pay a former high school student to keep secret Hastert's sexual misconduct while a wrestling coach at west suburban Yorkville High School.
Hastert is not being accused of sexual misconduct, although the feds made clear that more than one victim was being questioned.
“There are victims in this case,” assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Block said this week. “They deserve closure.”
The 74 year old former House speaker has suffered serious health issues over the past few months, his attorney said, including a serious blood infection, spinal surgery and a stroke.
In response, Judge Thomas Durkin postponed sentencing for three months, until Hastert's health improves.
