Former Speaker of the House Accused of Sexually Abusing Minors Says He's Sorry for Past 'Transgressions'
Dennis Hastert, the former Speaker of the House who has been accused of molesting five minors while coaching high school sports, is reportedly “sorry,” according to his lawyer.
The news broke after The Chicago Tribune reported on the millions of dollars in hush money Hastert paid to the victims, one of whom was 14 years old. Now, as Hastert awaits sentencing for a federal banking violation, he’s been forced to address the incidents, which reportedly occurred while he was a wrestling coach in the 1960s, 70s and 80s.
The New York Times obtained a statement from Thomas Green, Hastert’s lawyer:
“Mr. Hastert acknowledges that as a young man, he committed transgressions for which he is profoundly sorry,” Mr. Green said in the statement. “He earnestly apologizes to his former students, family, friends, previous constituents and all others affected by the harm his actions have caused.”
The statutes of limitations on Hastert’s detailed sex crimes has already expired, meaning he may not face any punishment. Depending on the outcome of the current case, he could face up to six months in jail.