Sources: At least 4 sexually abused by Dennis Hastert
A new investigation published Thursday by the Chicago Tribune reveals more details about the alleged sexual abuse by former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert.
Authorities believe there are credible claims from at least four people against the 74-year-old, who was once a high school teacher and wrestling coach before stepping into politics.
The new information identifies three men whose allegations of abuse span more than a decade when they were teenagers and Hastert was their coach, according to Tribune. One has since died.
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Tribune reached out to the other two men who are identified in federal court records as Individuals A and D, but one declined to be interviewed by the paper.
Individual D spoke to Tribune at length and may even appear at Hastert's sentencing in federal court on April 27. Hastert, who is in failing health, hasn't specified any wrongdoing -- but has expressed humiliation and shame.
"First and foremost, Mr. Hastert is deeply sorry and apologizes for his misconduct that occurred decades ago and the resulting harm he caused to others," Hastert's lawyers said Wednesday in a court memo.
More of the lengthy investigation from Tribune stems around Individual A. The man allegedly held secret meetings with Hastert, which spanned several years and included money exchanges that ultimately led to financial crimes.
By the time federal authorities stepped in to question Hastert about the transactions in December 2014, at least $1.7M was paid to Individual A.
Individual D spoke privately to the newspaper and explained his interaction with Hastert while a student at Yorkville High School in Illinois. He has been asked recently by prosecutors to step forward to read a victim-impact statement, according to Tribune. Individual D claims there was sexual misconduct.
U.S. District Judge Thomas Durkin has made clear he's free to sentence Hastert to up to five years in prison -- while lawyers have urged the judge to offer him probation because of Hastert's deteriorating health.
Read more about the Chicago Tribune's investigation here and about Individuals A and D.
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