Former House speaker pleads guilty in hush-money case

Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert pleaded guilty Wednesday in federal court in a case involving millions of dollars in hush money to keep secret allegations of misconduct decades ago.

A sentencing hearing has been set for Feb. 29. Federal prosecutors have recommended up to six months in prison as part of a plea deal that avoided a trial. However, the judge could sentence him to a maximum of five years and a fine of up to $250,000.

In his plea agreement, Hastert admitted he took part in one count of evading bank rules about currency transactions He also had been charged with a count of lying to federal investigators.

The former speaker allegedly paid someone $3.5 million to hide allegations of previous, unspecified misconduct.

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