Statement by the United States Attorney’s Office Following the Sentencing of Former U.S. Speaker of the House John Dennis Hastert

CHICAGO — U.S. District Judge Thomas M. Durkin today sentenced JOHN DENNIS HASTERT, 74, of Plano, to 15 months in federal prison.  Hastert pleaded guilty last year to one count of illegally structuring cash withdrawals in order to evade financial reporting requirements.

After the sentencing hearing, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois issued the following statement:

“With this case, the Office sought to hold Mr. Hastert accountable for the crimes he committed that could still be prosecuted: illegally structuring cash withdrawals and lying to the government about his motive for engaging in that activity.  All of us have been inspired by the strength and bravery of the victims and witnesses who came forward in the most challenging of circumstances.  As in all cases, the Office is dedicated to doing everything we can to help victims and their families seek justice.  It is our hope that the sentence imposed today will promote respect for the law.”

The sentencing was announced by Zachary T. Fardon, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Michael J. Anderson, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and James D. Robnett, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven A. Block and Diane MacArthur.