Following his conviction last year, former US House Speaker Dennis Hastert asked the judge to spare him with prison time through his lawyers. Hastert's attorneys are now seeking a sentence of probation, citing poor health and shame over the criminal case against him.
According to the Washington Post, Dennis Hastert was convicted of violating federal banking laws last year. He admitted that he withdrew money from banks in increments low enough to avoid mandatory reporting requirements and that he's paid someone to keep it a secret.
A federal law enforcement official said that the person paid off by Hastert is his former student during his tenure as teacher and wrestling coach in high school. They said that the male student was sexually molested by the former house speaker for years. Now, his attorneys urge the judge to consider the remorse and health problems.
Reuters wrote that the lawyers said during a memorandum seeking leniency that "First and foremost, Mr. Hastert is deeply sorry and apologizes for his misconduct that occurred decades ago and the harm he caused to others. He regrets that he resorted to structuring the withdrawal of his money from banks in an effort to prevent the disclosure of that misconduct." Prosecutors have agreed to give him a prison term of no more than six months for pleading guilty in the criminal case.
Also, on Wednesday's filings, Hastert is said to suffer from diabetes as reported by Business Insider. His recent condition involves a foot ulceration which was discovered by a medical staff after his hospitalization from a previous fall. Moreover, he had surgery for a spinal infection and was treated for a severe infection and stroke where he nearly died.
He's now confined to a wheelchair and can only walk around short distances with help. He is also required to have an around-the-clock care. Hastert is scheduled to appear again before a judge for his sentencing on April 27.
