Hastert Sentenced to 15 Months, Sex Offender Treatment in Hush-Money Case

A federal judge has decided to go above prosecutor’s recommendations in sentencing former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert today.

Judge Thomas Durkin referred to Hastert as “a serial child molester” before sentencing the former Yorkville teacher and coach to 15 months in prison. He also plans to make the 74-year old undergo sex offender treatment as part of his sentence.

Hastert pled guilty last October to breaking federal banking laws while trying to pay $3.5 million in hush money to one of the alleged victims.

Earlier, after entering the courtroom in a wheelchair, Hastert said he was “deeply ashamed” for “mistreating” some of his students during his time as an educator. The defense had been hoping for a sentence of probation, and prosecutors had been asking for 6 months.