The Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert is trying to reach a plea agreement for the charges against him which allegedly include $3.6 million in payouts and concealment of sexual abuse accusations that happened decades ago. There are discussions regarding plea deals between Hastert's lawyers and the federal prosecutors that were recently uncovered on U.S District Judge Thomas Durkin's table on Monday.
"Both sides acknowledged that a plea deal is being discussed," U.S. attorney Joseph Fitzpatrick said, according to CNN.
A plea for Hastert will help make a trial unnecessary and will help the ex-House Speaker legally keep possible shameful information regarding the charges against him from becoming public. If Hastert pleads guilty, it is possible that he would receive a shorter prison sentence or probation, The New York Times reported.
Hastert, a Republican, allegedly withdrew cash in increments below $10,000 so to avoid being reported by bank authorities. The situation has called on attention from investigators when Hastert allegedly agreed to pay an anonymous person only known as "Individual A" to remain silent about a certain felony committed in 2010.
Hastert plead not guilty on Monday. His attorneys did not comment regarding the case but criticized what they said were information leaks regarding the case. They have informed the court that they are ready to file a motion to argue about government misconduct, the Wall Street Journal reported.
The details regarding misconduct were not disclosed in the case. People who know what the case is about said Hastert allegedly wanted to shell out cash to conceal the sexual allegations made by a former Yorkville High School male student where the former house speaker became a wrestling coach and a teacher before he went into politics.
