Will plead guilty
Hastert’s attorney tells Judge Durkin that Hastert will plead guilty to an indictment alleging he agreed to pay 3.5 million dollars in hush money payments. The plea negotiations mean that many details surrounding Hastert’s prosecution will not be publicly revealed, including the identity of the person Hastert is accused of paying off. Hastert will enter the guilty plea at a hearing on October 28th.
Pleads not guilty
Hastert pleads not guilty to violating federal banking laws and lying to FBI investigators. He agrees to submit to a DNA sample if asked, to surrender his passport, to avoid anyone associated with the case, and to remove all firearms from his home. He will remain free on a $4,500 bond.
Judge Durkin offers to recuse himself due to donations he made to Hastert’s campaign years ago, although he says he has never met the former speaker. He gives the parties a day to decide if he should remain on the case.