Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert, 73, pleaded guilty Wednesday to felony bank fraud charges in a $3.5 million hush-money case in which he evaded federal bank reporting laws. While the indictment only said the payments were related to "past misconduct," Hastert, a former high school teacher and wrestling coach, was allegedly sending money to an individual to cover up sexual contact with a student. Hastert had also faced charges of lying to the FBI, but they were dropped under his plea bargain. The deal recommends Hastert face up to six months in prison.
Hastert served 20 years in Congress and spent nine years as House speaker, making him the longest-serving Republican speaker in history.
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