The Latest: Filing says Hastert claimed he was extorted

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press

The Latest: Filing says Hastert claimed he was extorted

Updated 1:04 am, Saturday, April 9, 2016

Federal prosecutors say when they questioned Dennis Hastert about his large cash withdrawals the former House speaker told them he was being extorted by someone making a false claim of sex abuse.

In a court filing Friday, prosecutors say Hastert agreed to let investigators record phone conversations he had with the man who later became known as "Individual A."

Prosecutors say "Individual A's tone and comments" during the conversations "were inconsistent with someone committing extortion." They say he didn't seem angry when Hastert told him he was having trouble getting money.

. . .

Hastert has pleaded guilty to violating banking laws. Prosecutors say he agreed to pay Individual A $3.5 million to cover up the misconduct.


Read more: http://www.chron.com/news/politics/article/The-Latest-Prosecutors-seek-up-to-6-months-for-7237992.php

[keithbvadu2]

1. A "false claim" would be reason to go to the police.

Instead, Hastert decided to pay rather than let his perverted past come to light.

[Festivito]

2. Easy for it to be a false claim now that it would be beyond statutes of limitation.

No one would prosecute even underage action at this point. So, if it did happen, and it cannot be prosecuted, it cannot be proven.

Any other proof after all these years? A similar thing to a blue dress?

[nitpicker]

3. Link to BBC

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-36004663

[rickford66]

4. Non-disclosure agreement. Happens all the time.

[dicksmc3]

5. I can't believe this guy is going to get off... (not on BOYS)

So much for Republican "FAMILY VALUES"!!! Lock this guy up and throw the key away!! PEDOPHILE!!!

[Dont call me Shirley]

6. No pity for the pedophile, throw him behind bars for 5 years...