Apparently, Republicans favored Dennis Hastert, since the party was scandal plagued at that time, and they viewed him as the most ethical of the available bunch. Well, heck, he probably was!
10
So what about indicting the Wall Street banksters? Oh, I forgot, I guess we already "settled" with them for the "misconduct" which nearly destroyed the US economy.
The guy who is evidently blackmailing Hastert is as dirty as he is. But 3-4 million dollars to cover-up "misconduct" is chump change compared to what Wall Street stole from all of us. Why isn't there a picture of Jamie Dimon or Lloyd Blankfein on a FBI wanted poster?
The guy who is evidently blackmailing Hastert is as dirty as he is. But 3-4 million dollars to cover-up "misconduct" is chump change compared to what Wall Street stole from all of us. Why isn't there a picture of Jamie Dimon or Lloyd Blankfein on a FBI wanted poster?
9
It's not to hard to figure out who "individual A" is. Just search through the Yorkville High School year books for the time that Hastert was a teacher and coach there. Hastert received a strange call when he was being interviewed on CNN from a person named "Bruce" who asked him on air if he "remembered him from Yorkville" and hung up laughing. Look in the year books for Bruce...
5
Now it is being reported this is tied to a sexual abuse case while Hastert was a high school teacher and coach. Ifmthose allegations are true he should get a cell next to Sandusky. This kind of "misconduct" is so despicable. It makes every parent fear for their children who those children are under another adults supervision and out of sight.
10
I am sure it is titillating for many to learn that Hastert was possibly once a pedophile, But the bigger question is: how did a man living on a teacher's salary then a congressman's salary accumulate enough wealth to pay $3.5 million in hush money?
19
By becoming a corporate bagman / lobbyist to his cronies on Capitol Hill.
17
Speaking engagements? Consulting? Maybe the offended party just waited until he had money before starting to blackmail him.
2
The NYTs just reported that the 'misconduct' stems from a decades old sexual abuse case. So Hastert is the victimizer despite anyone feeling badly that he was being blackmailed.
8
This is the same House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert who wanted to see New Orleans bulldozed after Katrina hit in 2005. To kick people when they are down and destroy hope, when hope is the only thing they have is unthinkable for
a leader in his position. Mr. Hastert did not make sense then he does not make sense now. Good riddance.
a leader in his position. Mr. Hastert did not make sense then he does not make sense now. Good riddance.
18
Having been born in Chicago 8 months before Eisenhower first became President, I am no longer surprised about the state of Illinois producing corrupt politicians from both major parties, although the Democrats in the Chicago area had a virtual lock on corruption for decades due to the Daley-machine voting system. The capital, Springfield, also produced a string of corrupt governors, one of whom liked hiding money in shoe boxes in his house, and another who thought Barack Obama's Senate seat could be sold to the highest bidder.
I'm certain more details will emerge about who Dennis Hastert was paying hush money to, and what it concerned. Eliot Spitzer's crimes came to light quickly after he was identified as Client-9 to the Feds looking into his prostitute-payment money transfers. I'd like to believe that most national-level politicians are honest people who want to do some good for ordinary citizens, but my beliefs are challenged on daily basis by what I read about the corrupt behaviors of so many of them. Is it politics itself, the people we elect, or the political system we have in place? Perhaps, it is the whole ball of wax. Can we melt it away, or is it a perpetual candle, meant to burn forever?
9
Although some readers here were shocked when I previously indicated that Hastert was being blackmailed for sexual involvement before he entered politics and was still , the L.A. Times reports; "Asked why Hastert was making the payments, the official said it was to conceal Hastert’s past relationship with the male. “It was sex,’’ the source said. The other official confirmed that the misconduct involved sexual abuse." The money Hastert paid was hush money.
I thought blackmail was illegal...
I thought blackmail was illegal...
7
@Jonathan Baker NYC
I thought sexual abuse was illegal.
I thought sexual abuse was illegal.
20
Why is anybody surprised that this is happening? The amount of corruption that exists in Washington and in the halls of many state legislators is at an all time high. It is revolting and makes me sick. A plague on both your Houses.
2
They seek government work, then they complain that government is the problem. What made him a target for blackmail: when he became a rich man by whoring himself out as a lobbyist.
13
No Republican should be surprised when one of their hero's feet of clay turn to mud in their new Nikes.
With all the school coaches being pilloried lately for unseemly coaching practices, it's not too hard to figure what "coaching" would earn a payoff like this one.
With all the school coaches being pilloried lately for unseemly coaching practices, it's not too hard to figure what "coaching" would earn a payoff like this one.
5
How could a wily, cunning, devious man supposedly smart and on top of every con in the book get trapped by the dumbest ideas to not leave a trail? Spitzer, Weiner, all supposedly intelligent men getting caught by doing downright stupid things and basking smugly in their erroneous perception that they are invincible.
3
How does a former football coach and high school teacher amass such wealth that he has 3.5 million for extortion? Oh, the usual grifting politician. I prefer that Hastert is the usual hypocrite Republican but what would surprise any of us about politicians of either party using office for personal gain and then having to cover up their dirt? Bernie Sanders may be the last person standing if we actually cared about integrity. But would that matter? The oligarchs have the majority and the SCOTUS in their pockets. Democracy is over. 'Been for awhile now. This is no sign of the times.
21
It would have been much better if this had happened while he was Speaker of the House. That it didn't suggests that Individual A did not blackmail Hastert, or he/she could have gotten an even higher price then. $3.5 million now implies some pretty embarassing and/or very illegal "misconduct". Time will tell.
5
Ooh I know, let's go out and find the guy he is paying and nail him to a pillory for extortion! Yay! Poor Poor Denny! Wrestling Coach says it all. Tune in later folks for this and other re-incarnations of Summerset Maugham's "Rain" about the devout oppressed religious dude who could not stand to be around a real human woman "Sadie" without forcing religious conversion on her and when that works he can sexually abuse her on the beach. Please holy devoted creeps please please just give it up and stop kidding yourselves.
7
What kind of conduct would cause Hastert to pay out over $3 million dollars to keep from going public ? To think this man was, at one time, just 3 away from the presidency, that is alarming to think who else could have blacked mail him...foreign countries for instance. $3 million is a lot of money, it makes me wonder if there is a connection to his time as a wrestling coach with young boys ?
5
The authorities likely know what the misconduct was, yet neither Hastert nor the unnamed individual have been charged. The misconduct and the likelihood of it being believed are such that Hastert ponied up more than $1.7 million to keep it hidden. Hastert was coaching high school boys when this misconduct occurred. The indictment uses the words "teacher" and "coach." The Illinois statute of limitations for sexual assault has run, which would explain the no charges. Isn't it obvious what the misconduct was?
7
Haster worth millions? Note to self: become a wrestling coach, Congressman and lobbyist. Not necessarily in that order. (Dirty deeds. It all comes out in the end. It always do!)
6
Whatever Mr. Hastert's indiscretion from his past, he apparently was not a hypocrit. He seemed to be one of the very few who did not point a finger at others in Congress for indiscretions while harboring personal secrets themselves....AND, ironically, was chastised for it.
1
Are you kidding? He was their leader !
6
to MR: by not pointing fingers, as you suggest, Hastert was only hoping for the same treatment in return. Seems quite hypocritical, rather.
2
For someone whose hands are on the levers of power to be susceptible to this kind of blackmail is inexcusable. What would have happened had the North Koreans or Chinese gotten a hold of this information? What sort of 'sweeteners' might have been inserted into Congressional acts to appease this blackmailer?
So while it's fun to speculate about what he might have done to subject himself to blackmail, we should be very angry about the fact that he didn't handle it properly (i.e. come clean).
Ten years in prison is not enough.
So while it's fun to speculate about what he might have done to subject himself to blackmail, we should be very angry about the fact that he didn't handle it properly (i.e. come clean).
Ten years in prison is not enough.
11
Now all I care about is "what was the misconduct???"
5
The public gives someone like this 24 hours to issue their mea culpa and come clean. Hastert has used up his free pass; it will hoist him on his own petard.
7
You are judged by the company you keep. He became speaker of the house after the adulterer Newt Gingrich stepped down and got the job because the republican's first choice Livingston admitted to being an adulterer. Then he was supported by the bug man Tom DeLay who left office under a cloud of inquiry.
I would be interested in knowing more about what happened while he was wrestling coach and teacher. I do not think you would pay $3 million to cover up parking tickets.
I would be interested in knowing more about what happened while he was wrestling coach and teacher. I do not think you would pay $3 million to cover up parking tickets.
13
When you wonder what could he have done way back when he was a high school wrestling coach that is worth his paying 3.5 million to this person after all this time and where there is no criminal statute of limitations is, as melodramatic as it sounds, murder.
3
Bin Laden's legacy just keeps growing. In addition to the TSA, the beefed up currency laws nail people who are being blackmailed. The US is truly a remarkable "Nation of Laws".
1
to Rob Woodside: The Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act would have nailed Hastert pre-Bin Laden.
Does anyone else enjoy the irony of "Denny" being hoisted on his own petard? Next, I suppose, he will discover religion, which Ambrose Bierce called "the last refuge of the scoundrel".
7
So taking out too much of your own money is illegal, and taking out less of your own money, deliberately to avoid taking out too much is illegal too? Even when there has been no charge that the way he spent it was illegal, just implications of impropriety?
3
No, taking out a lot of money is not illegal. Taking out less is not illegal. Failing to comply with reporting laws regarding large transactions or clearly attempting to evade reporting (esp. cash) breaks anti-money-laundering laws, however, and lying about having done so is perjury.
12
it is not illegal to withdraw more than $10,000, banks are just required to report it. if you are doing anything illegal with the money then there is no problem.
2
First of all it was the bank that caused the problem with him taking out the large amounts because they didn't like filing the reports. If he had told them just keep doing your job as the law required there might never have been a problem.
Second how would making these payments be any different from using a lawyer to get a confidential settlement without a lawsuit being filed? Happens all the time, except the payments were unstructured.
Second how would making these payments be any different from using a lawyer to get a confidential settlement without a lawsuit being filed? Happens all the time, except the payments were unstructured.
Lobbyists must make pretty good money for him to have millions in a bank account, must be pretty bad also to try to keep the problem quiet with the millions? Just shows that politicians have a future after they leave office, also the future that pays well!
2
Personal indiscretions...vulnerable to blackmail...that was the basis the military was so anti-gay. Now that's over with and we have Hastert. Jeez-o-peezee...we elect politicians, not priests, so if it's an affair, we need to get over it as a black mark because our historical past is deep there. For some the conditions surrounding it may pass Judeo-Christian judgement, i.e. FDR. Others not, i.e. Clinton.
If integrity is the issue, the blackmailer may wear the blacker hat.
If this is a financial indiscretion/crime, felony, etc. ..another story.
If integrity is the issue, the blackmailer may wear the blacker hat.
If this is a financial indiscretion/crime, felony, etc. ..another story.
3
I'm sure everyone is just itching to find out what the personal damage was done to require so much hush money. I'm sure everyone has a pet theory.
But isn't that all beside the point at this point? What the jaded public would really like to know is: why is the bar set so low for leaders? What has happened to the old prevailing standards of morality in public life? The NYT columnist David Brooks, with his book and columns, has devoted himself to the issue of character: what it is, how to cultivate it, who has demonstrated it.
But character cannot thrive and survive in a system of culture and governance where doing the next right thing is so little is rewarded or expected. We reap what we sow. And what we accept.
But isn't that all beside the point at this point? What the jaded public would really like to know is: why is the bar set so low for leaders? What has happened to the old prevailing standards of morality in public life? The NYT columnist David Brooks, with his book and columns, has devoted himself to the issue of character: what it is, how to cultivate it, who has demonstrated it.
But character cannot thrive and survive in a system of culture and governance where doing the next right thing is so little is rewarded or expected. We reap what we sow. And what we accept.
24
How difficult is it to find the person receiving the money? The Illinois town is small, so depositing so much money into an account on a regular basis can't be hard to find. But, this "whomever" is very, very clever. He/she could have outed Hastert while in Congress, esp. when he became speaker, but there wouldn't have been much of a payout, and was smart enough to wait to see what kind of money Hastert would get after his stint in Congress. He/she would have followed Hastert's career and then, when the time was ripe, zeroed in on the cash. Also, very clever was to know Hastert well enough to be sure Hastart would pay and not report the extortion. I am not shocked at Hastert's "whatever," but kind of admiring of how and when the asker went about the asking.
3
Didn't Nicholas Kristof just write about this kind of stuff in his column...yesterday?
Let's get rid of lobbyists. The pharmaceutical industry, for example, has two lobbyists per member of congress. Pharma drugs are the #3 cause of death (after heart disease and cancer) in the USA. This is not a coincidence.
Revolting! For someone who can make multi-million dollar secret (well, not quite) payoffs, a fine won't do it...unless he gets fined for pretty much everything he owns. Jail time?
Let's get rid of lobbyists. The pharmaceutical industry, for example, has two lobbyists per member of congress. Pharma drugs are the #3 cause of death (after heart disease and cancer) in the USA. This is not a coincidence.
Revolting! For someone who can make multi-million dollar secret (well, not quite) payoffs, a fine won't do it...unless he gets fined for pretty much everything he owns. Jail time?
16
Which part of this is none of your or the public's business? Are there no private matters anymore?
1
What upright image? Did NYT forget Hastert going to some green conference with a gas-guzzling SUV, which he had park 2 blocks away to avoid his hypocrisy?
I ask, again, "What upright image?"
I ask, again, "What upright image?"
15
In a rational world this would never be in the news. The structuring laws are there to prevent us from flying under the radar of an overly intrusive government. They’re just another unfortunate byproduct of the war on drugs.
Besides that, Hastert isn’t running for anything. Who cares what he does with his money? It will be different if he accumulated his money by ill-gotten means but nobody suggested that. This whole thing has a peevish, can’t-help-but-looking-at-the-accident feel to it. A much richer vein to harvest would be Bill and Hillary’s money.
Besides that, Hastert isn’t running for anything. Who cares what he does with his money? It will be different if he accumulated his money by ill-gotten means but nobody suggested that. This whole thing has a peevish, can’t-help-but-looking-at-the-accident feel to it. A much richer vein to harvest would be Bill and Hillary’s money.
4
As usual, whether the other charge against him will stand up, he has that lying to the FBI thing to deal with. Standard operating procedure, gives them leverage to get what they want from the interviewee (it is always an interview, never an interrogation). In my town, a prominent doctor had his career ruined because he was less than straight with the FBI when they first talked to him, no other charges were filed.
So when law enforcement knocks on your door, you tell them, if they don't have a search warrant, they are not coming in; if you are not under arrest, you are not going with them; and in any event, you are not going to answer any question with or without your lawyer present. If circumstances change later, you can talk all you want, but your default should be polite non-cooperation.
If you think innocence will protect you, think again. See;
http://thefreethoughtproject.com/video-law-professor-cop-agree-talk-cops...
So when law enforcement knocks on your door, you tell them, if they don't have a search warrant, they are not coming in; if you are not under arrest, you are not going with them; and in any event, you are not going to answer any question with or without your lawyer present. If circumstances change later, you can talk all you want, but your default should be polite non-cooperation.
If you think innocence will protect you, think again. See;
http://thefreethoughtproject.com/video-law-professor-cop-agree-talk-cops...
7
Surely you realize that the charge that is most easily prosecuted is the one usually filed. Al Capone was never tried for murder, extortion, smuggling, selling alcohol illegally, prostitution, or gambling. He was charged, tried, and convicted for tax evasion.
6
Remember Monica Lewinsky--she should have kept her mouth shut--she committed no crime--no legal authority had any leverage to make her tell them what happened since no crime was committed. And Bill Clinton--he should have kept his mouth shut, too; the whole investigation revolved around his having lied about the affair--having an affair is not illegal unless the person you are having the affair with is coerced or under age.
1
The aggrieved person in this case could have negotiated a legal settlement with Hastert to keep silent. This would even have afforded Hastert some recourse if the agreement was breached. So something is fishy—if only tax evasion by either or both of them.
4
People make mistakes, its the way of life. I am more curious about the person who used the mistake (whatever it was) to blackmail Hastert. A person who pays for their secrets to stay hidden, acts out of fear. The person who blackmailed Hastert used that fear to hold him hostage - that feels more grievous to me, however how did he ever amass enough money to make those payments. He is a long way from small town coach. The secret is out, Hastert is in some small way free and the rest will be left up to federal investigators and who knows what they really do? I always wondered about men and women who slink around in dark corners looking for dirt - where is our broom when you need it?
6
Lou
You refer to the alleged blackmailer as "he". Do you know something the entire world doesn't know yet? Or are you just jumping to conclusions at it would appear?
You refer to the alleged blackmailer as "he". Do you know something the entire world doesn't know yet? Or are you just jumping to conclusions at it would appear?
1
I'm surprised by the things people consider "mistakes" these days. The recent Duggar repeated child molestation has been called that by many, including Mr. Huckabee in his famous defense of the fellow. The line between criminal behavior, abuse, molestation, and other willful, knowing malfeasance and a "mistake" is a profound one, in truth, however. I'm not sure that Hastert's desire to keep his past acts unknown really has anything to do with a "mistake".
4
If you don't like "Will & Grace", don't mean there's something wrong with you! Means there's something wrong with Will; he's a homosexual!
When will the information about the "misconduct" come OUT?
6
Frankly, I do not see it is any of our business what the original misconduct was , unless it was related to his behavior as a the people's representative. If the original misconduct was criminal in some way, let Individual A press charges. The public is not owed any explanation of Hastert's private misbehavior of years ago (if that is wht this is about.) He was a thoroughly reprehensible Speaker of the House, and I thought so the moment he was supported by Thom De Lay. His dealilngs as Speaker (hello, The Hastert Rule??) are what he should be held accountable for, as well as lying to the Fed. But the original misconduct: none of my business.
1
For those unfamiliar with the structuring crime alleged here, you may have first hand experience with a related statute. Any time you enter this country from abroad, you are required to fill out a customs declaration and to declare cash on hand if it's $10,000 or more. If you lie on that declaration, you have committed a crime closely related to the crime with which Hastert is charged.
9
A bad law ($10,000 but actually banks illegally requiring reporting of smaller amounts) that gives the government the right to monitor our cash.
A law that is part of the government's failed war on drugs.
Paying someone to keep quiet about a personal matter. Nothing illegal about that.
Government lawyers once again overstepping (see current FIFA charges).
I am a liberal Democrat against crime and Big Brother.
A law that is part of the government's failed war on drugs.
Paying someone to keep quiet about a personal matter. Nothing illegal about that.
Government lawyers once again overstepping (see current FIFA charges).
I am a liberal Democrat against crime and Big Brother.
3
Paying someone to keep quiet about a personal matter is not a crime. Extorting someone of money is a crime. So that person should be charged. What did Hastert do that was so bad that it is worth hundreds of thousands of dollars to keep it quiet? First response by Hastert to the person perhaps should have been, "So, prove it." But, again, what was so bad that it was worth so much money and the risk of being charged with another crime to keep it quiet?
Why do so many Speakers of the House of Representatives seem to be flawed? Jim Wright (actually innocent of any wrong doing, but not perceived that way), Gingrich, Hastert, others historically?
Why do so many Speakers of the House of Representatives seem to be flawed? Jim Wright (actually innocent of any wrong doing, but not perceived that way), Gingrich, Hastert, others historically?
1
A better question might be "Why are so many Presidents flawed?", i.e., William Jefferson Clinton, John F Kennedy.
This is not the case of a Republican. Nor is it of a Democrat. This is the case of another politician who has accrued a huge amount of money using his political clout to amass a fortune.
Our political system is in a shambles. Abetted by the Supreme Court's decision of open season for campaign donations most votes are up for sale.
How many Congressman have become millionaires during their tenure?
Obscene? Beyond that.
A erstwhile wrestling coach with an estimated net worth of $5 to $15 million?
The system is....no system at all. At least for you and I.
Our political system is in a shambles. Abetted by the Supreme Court's decision of open season for campaign donations most votes are up for sale.
How many Congressman have become millionaires during their tenure?
Obscene? Beyond that.
A erstwhile wrestling coach with an estimated net worth of $5 to $15 million?
The system is....no system at all. At least for you and I.
44
The system is flawed and those creating the laws underpinning the system are Congressmen. Good luck changing the "system".
1
How much did Hastert profit from a farm he bought that became site of the route of the interstate? Easy to make millions when you can direct federal spending to your interests.
1
Until recently, insider trading was not illegal for members of congress. He easily could have made millions. To pay someone 3.5 million for silence is rather shocking considering his age and lack of public profile. It must be so damaging as to wreck his personal life or land him in jail. Plus, it must have occurred before he was in congress. Ok, I'm curious.
6
Would a conviction mean we can finally dump the Hastert Rule once and for all?
15
Not only has the Hastert Rule been dumped, Hastert himself declared that it was never effective. Search the record, I think you'll find that it was mainly a tool he used to browbeat party members into submission. Remember that he was the speaker who refused to record the vote while his henchmen hammered members who had already voted to change their votes. That was the longest vote in congressional history, over three hours.
2
And for the deflection move we have:
“It has come completely out of left field and is pretty shocking,” said John Feehery, a spokesman for Mr. Hastert in his days as speaker.
Not right field mind you, never right field.
“It has come completely out of left field and is pretty shocking,” said John Feehery, a spokesman for Mr. Hastert in his days as speaker.
Not right field mind you, never right field.
11
What's in right field?
So, in 1986 Mr. Hastert enters Congress with a net worth of $270,000 (including real estate). 20 years later, he leaves Congress with a net worth between $9 million and $17 million dollars.
Sweet!
Sweet!
29
Take a look at the Clintons. They were "Dead broke" and then collected more than $100 million in speaking fees.
So you believe Hastert is the only former Congressman who is wealthy?
It would be amusing if only it weren't.
No fool like an old fool. Where do we find these Bozo's?
Sorry Bozo.
No fool like an old fool. Where do we find these Bozo's?
Sorry Bozo.
16
At the Degenerate Hall of Fame - same place we found Elliot Spitzer, Anthony Weiner, and Bill Clinton.
1
You mean: Mark Foley, Dean Skelos, Richard Nixon, Ted Haggard, all perverse evangelicals, GWB, and the list goes on...the list goes on...
3
You sling slander very handily, Sunday. Glass houses and all that.
It's hard not be be cynical about our political leaders when the so call squeaky clean Hastert appears to be as corrupt as the others. It's time to have real term limits and possibly get some integrity back into politics.
8
What is corrupt about making an error in judgment that does not affect your ability to work, to live, to lead?
This speaks to the character of the Republican leadership nationwide, not to Illinois politics specifically. Buy off anything immoral or illegal you are doing in your personal life seems to be their standard. What I want to know is what did he do when he was a teacher and coach that was so bad that he would pay $3.5 million to keep it a secret so many years later. What kind of a person was it that helped shape our response to 911 so that Americans' privacy and liberties would be squashed for well over a decade? We deserve to know what dark secret he was hiding all these years. Any policy or law he fostered may also be taken into question based upon the past we did not know about.
18
Hastert's spin-doctors and lawyers should advise to him to come clean on exactly what the "misconduct" is. Public is already filling in the blanks and it's not going to go easier on him if he holds back.
11
It might be something creepy
1
Some commenters indicate this is Hasterts problem and the public/government has no business in investigating him.
I disagree...consider the scrutiny the Republicans put the Clintons and Obama under for any personal indiscretions they could find (or make up).
The shoe is now on the other foot...and its now time for them to squirm
If for nothing at all...but expose their disingenuousness
I disagree...consider the scrutiny the Republicans put the Clintons and Obama under for any personal indiscretions they could find (or make up).
The shoe is now on the other foot...and its now time for them to squirm
If for nothing at all...but expose their disingenuousness
20
You keep thinking this is about whose side you are on while you are getting stolen blind. Stop the partisanship. Hillary Clinton and Bill Clinton did their misdeeds when they were in government. Hastert hasn't been on office for years. This blind partisanship and the excuse oh well he/she did this or that is exactly what they want. These two parties are Coke and Pepsi. They don't hate one another and their concern is making sure that RC Cola has no space on the shelf.
2
I suspect those commenters have tea bags in their ears.
5
Clinton and Obama were still in office. Makes a difference. Or should.
1
Republicans are "shocked" and "stunned", really, what is so novel about a politician lying.
12
Why is it that no one is asking how a high school teacher/wrestling coach, after less than two decades as a congressman has $3.5 million to throw away paying off an extortionist? His personal peccadillos don't much concern me; the thought that he was able to accumulate a fortune in office does.
17
Odd that the FBI can fake hair analysis reports and nothing happens and no one goes to jail. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-32380051
President Clinton lied to Congress about his affair and nothing happened other than a political battle.
There's more to this story than the cover up.
President Clinton lied to Congress about his affair and nothing happened other than a political battle.
There's more to this story than the cover up.
3
Huh, what?
1
Illinois is best known for bipartisan political epic criminal corruption. And Chicago is the eternal cesspool that makes such perfidy in the middle of Cook aka Crook County.
Dan Rostenkowski begat Henry Hyde begat Mel Reynolds begat Jesse Jackson, Jr. begat Adam Schock who begat Dennis Hastert. For over half a century Illinois governors from both parties have taken turns going to prison. Chicago alderman and county officials and judges can be brought wholesale. State of Illinois officials from Attorney General to State lie, cheat and steal. Neither the Hastert rule nor the Hyde Amendment apparently applied to their namesakes own immorality. Their fealty to the shifting 8 or 9 of the Lord's Commandments is stunning in it's selectivity.
They lack the dishonest principled open immorality of the Chicago Outfit titans Torrio, Capone, Nitti, Ricca, Accardo, Giancana and Aiuppa.
Compared to the likes of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Maryland and Louisiana, we are shamefully and proudly Illinois # 1 in political corruption. According to Louisiana legend Edwin Edwards unless you are "caught with a dead girl or a live boy" anything goes in political "morality". Hastert?
Dan Rostenkowski begat Henry Hyde begat Mel Reynolds begat Jesse Jackson, Jr. begat Adam Schock who begat Dennis Hastert. For over half a century Illinois governors from both parties have taken turns going to prison. Chicago alderman and county officials and judges can be brought wholesale. State of Illinois officials from Attorney General to State lie, cheat and steal. Neither the Hastert rule nor the Hyde Amendment apparently applied to their namesakes own immorality. Their fealty to the shifting 8 or 9 of the Lord's Commandments is stunning in it's selectivity.
They lack the dishonest principled open immorality of the Chicago Outfit titans Torrio, Capone, Nitti, Ricca, Accardo, Giancana and Aiuppa.
Compared to the likes of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Maryland and Louisiana, we are shamefully and proudly Illinois # 1 in political corruption. According to Louisiana legend Edwin Edwards unless you are "caught with a dead girl or a live boy" anything goes in political "morality". Hastert?
13
Everybody is presumed to be innocent until found guilty. If he is found guilty, he should be punished at least as harshly as any other person. The FBI does not have enough man power to check out everybody who makes these kind of transactions. Perhaps the story will become clear as more information emerges, but what was the criteria for selecting him to even question? After this and Martha Stewart, everyone who is interviewed should tell the FBI to talk to my lawyer.
3
He was violating US financial regulations. Banks are REQUIRED to report this activity to Federal regulators. Got it?
If you did what Dennis did? The FBI would be at your door also.
It was not a witch hunt for (poor) Dennis. And this was done over and over even after he was questioned?
The secrecy of the supposed "Blackmailer" hints at inflammatory info.about someone.
Mr. Hastert was a former highschool teacher & wrestling coach (the press repeats this over and over?) in Yorkville where the supposed "Blackmailer" lives and has known Mr. Hastert for his/her entire life.
If you did what Dennis did? The FBI would be at your door also.
It was not a witch hunt for (poor) Dennis. And this was done over and over even after he was questioned?
The secrecy of the supposed "Blackmailer" hints at inflammatory info.about someone.
Mr. Hastert was a former highschool teacher & wrestling coach (the press repeats this over and over?) in Yorkville where the supposed "Blackmailer" lives and has known Mr. Hastert for his/her entire life.
4
Many individuals and businesses go to the bank on a regular basis and obtain change orders of $9,900.00 so that they do not have to fill out the paperwork that is required for cash withdraws of over $10,000. It is perfectly legal. If they make more than one change order within 24 hours, the bank will call them and ask for them to stop by and sign the paperwork. There are so many individuals and businesses that do this that a computers goes through the paperwork and picks candidates for investigation. What is the red flag? Or the FBI could be engineering backward from legit charges.
I am bothered by the fact that a former high school teacher and wrestling coach who served in Congress and is now a lobbiest has $3.5 million handy to pay the bribe. This serves as a prime example about what is wrong with our political system. Second, while I understand the sentiment, the reason we have federal laws concerning cash withdrawals of these types is because without them it would be easier to engage in money laundering and tax evasion. Hastert had to know that the recipient of the $50,000 and $10,000 bribes he was paying was not going to report their receipt as income.
18
As best I can tell, Hastert is the victim, not the perpetrator, as he was obviously being blackmailed. I am curious, however, how a Congressman amasses millions of dollars to pay his blackmailer.
7
Insider trading. Since Congress makes laws that affect all sectors of the economy, it's pretty easy for them to make stock transactions to take advantage of the information they have about what laws are going to be passed.
It is not clear whose money was paid out by Hastert. Apparently he "controlled" ie "directed" funds to be paid to him which were then given to "A". Were the funds coming out of PACs or campaign accounts that Hastert controlled? A lot of questions are raised about what actually happened, whose funds were drawn on etc. There are many, many unanswered questions.
2
@pmcbride
How can Hastert be the "victim"? If you have nothing to hide, you cannot be prey to a blackmailer!
What dark actions from so many decades ago would warrant the former congressman's willingness to violate Federal banking regulations, lie to the FBI, and convey such large amounts of money to ensure the silence of the unknown recipient?
That's the question that needs to be answered. I believe when the facts emerge about the alleged "misconduct," the banking irregularities and the lies to the FBI will begin to look insignificant by comparison.
How can Hastert be the "victim"? If you have nothing to hide, you cannot be prey to a blackmailer!
What dark actions from so many decades ago would warrant the former congressman's willingness to violate Federal banking regulations, lie to the FBI, and convey such large amounts of money to ensure the silence of the unknown recipient?
That's the question that needs to be answered. I believe when the facts emerge about the alleged "misconduct," the banking irregularities and the lies to the FBI will begin to look insignificant by comparison.
3
He lied to the FBI. Whatever else he has done, that alone would land most of us behind bars. The next question to be answered is what was he trying to cover up that he was willing to risk federal prosecution in order to keep hidden?
19
I follow US politics from overseas (the UK) and I am not an expert. Could someone tell me why Illinois politics from governors to senators to congressmen is so corrupt? In the last 15 years the state seems to have had a large share of alleged political corruption in both parties.
3
Oli,
While Illinois has more than its fair share of corruption, we also have more than our fair share of politicians. Illinois has more governments than any state by a huge margin, and more than any other country I'm aware of. 7,963 different tax-payer-funded entities, at last count.
Even if only half of them were rife with corruption ( and all of them probably are ) it'd be enough to fill the pages of many newspapers.
While Illinois has more than its fair share of corruption, we also have more than our fair share of politicians. Illinois has more governments than any state by a huge margin, and more than any other country I'm aware of. 7,963 different tax-payer-funded entities, at last count.
Even if only half of them were rife with corruption ( and all of them probably are ) it'd be enough to fill the pages of many newspapers.
@Oli: It's quite simple: they can get away with it. The public doesn't care, so why should they? There are four former governors who served (or are still serving time): Otto Kerner, Dan Walker, George Ryan, and Rod Blagojevich. Several former Congressmen, most famousky Mel Reynolds and Jesse Jackson, Jr. The state of Illinois is a stinking cesspool of corruption and filth, something like a "free night" at a bordello.
Don't be so down on Illinois. New York is just as bad. Both the Republican leader of the State Senate and the Democratic leader of the State Assembly are currently under indictment for corruption. And this is not to mention the dozens of other lesser known figures who have lately been convicted on corruption charges.
Three questions:
Wasn't lying to the FBI what got Bill Clinton impeached?
How much of Mr. Hastert's obvious wealth was made before he left office?
If convicted, do we taxpayers continue to pay his pension?
Wasn't lying to the FBI what got Bill Clinton impeached?
How much of Mr. Hastert's obvious wealth was made before he left office?
If convicted, do we taxpayers continue to pay his pension?
13
of course we'll have to keep paying his pension and he'll never do it day in jail don't worry about that because he's a Republican Republicans are above the law they just make them for other people to follow
2
No, it was lying to a jury that got Clinton impeached and disbarred in fact. Mr Hasterts wealth was probably made after he left office and was a "lobbyist" which is yet another problem. And do we still have to pay his pension. They make the rules, what do you think? Of course we do.
Re Individual A - Will Indiv. A have to give the money back to Hastert?
2
I realize this is just plain old blackmail, but why can't Hastert give/spend his money as he pleases. That's the part that bothers me.
Questions: If Hastert did "gift" the money did he need to file any tax forms? If Hastert "paid" this person as an employee, did he need to file tax forms? If Hastert and person A had come to a lawyer negotiated confidential settlement would the payment schedule been investigated by the Feds?
When I bought my car I wrote a check for $10,000. I couple of weeks later I got a letter from the dealer telling me they reported the $10,000 to the Feds as required.
Questions: If Hastert did "gift" the money did he need to file any tax forms? If Hastert "paid" this person as an employee, did he need to file tax forms? If Hastert and person A had come to a lawyer negotiated confidential settlement would the payment schedule been investigated by the Feds?
When I bought my car I wrote a check for $10,000. I couple of weeks later I got a letter from the dealer telling me they reported the $10,000 to the Feds as required.
6
Yes to your"gift" question.. He needed to file a gift-tax return, and possibly pay the gift-taxes.
Yes, to your "employee payment" question. He should have paid the payroll taxes, and generated a W2 or 1099.
The $10K reporting rule is there exactly to track and trace big money movements. He was actively trying to thwart it. That, in and of itself, is a crime.
Yes, to your "employee payment" question. He should have paid the payroll taxes, and generated a W2 or 1099.
The $10K reporting rule is there exactly to track and trace big money movements. He was actively trying to thwart it. That, in and of itself, is a crime.
2
the case is about paying out hush money lying to the FBI and lying to the banks to hide withdrawals that's what the case is about not if he was being blackmailed or not
This country is on a very bad track. Almost every single federal government official is a crook. The only hope we have as citizens is to radically reduce the number of federal government employees. Maybe by 90%. I would rather be governed by my mates in my area than by these elected federal buffoons.
2
"Mr. Hastert worked in Yorkville from 1965 to 1981."
The money paid was to somebody living there. Anybody suddenly having a guaranteed income of about $3.5 million obviously retired early, buys a new Cadillac and lives in a big house. No Einstein needed here.
The money paid was to somebody living there. Anybody suddenly having a guaranteed income of about $3.5 million obviously retired early, buys a new Cadillac and lives in a big house. No Einstein needed here.
9
The "Moral Majority" strikes again! It's always the ones that proclaim the loudest...
Republicans were appalled at President Clinton's conduct, appalled I say! Really!
Republicans were appalled at President Clinton's conduct, appalled I say! Really!
18
Many people seem to think blackmail is involved here. Quite the contrary. It is not balckmail if you are wronged and the person who wronged you agrees to pay compensation. That happens everyday, either through the court system or private settlements.
4
I can't understand why you and some of the others commenting here don't get it. Please read through the comments, many are educational and you will see what is criminal about what he did.
Our politicians regard the rule of law as a pliable and plastic opportunity to enrich themselves. They are venal. Their cupidity is an argument for sending them all home to get honest work and ceasing the pretense that they world for us.
The gravy train is on tracks so well constructed that it is legal for them to spend their days raising tens of thousands of dollars from the first day in office until they are finally indited or retire to become the very lobbyists-tempters that collect and funnel wealth to them while in office.
Why are we pretending? It isn't a democracy or a republic. It is a kleptocracy, better left on the trash heap of history, dead because we don't care.
The gravy train is on tracks so well constructed that it is legal for them to spend their days raising tens of thousands of dollars from the first day in office until they are finally indited or retire to become the very lobbyists-tempters that collect and funnel wealth to them while in office.
Why are we pretending? It isn't a democracy or a republic. It is a kleptocracy, better left on the trash heap of history, dead because we don't care.
7
The overwhelming number of people know about the $10K rule, and he surely did. Why did he think it didn't apply to him? It has to be worse for him that he structured the transactions after he was asked about what he was doing and lied.
8
it's obvious he's a Republican is above the law the rules don't apply to him they just make the rules for others and will get the same old excuses he didn't know it was illegal to pay hush money to somebody you commit a crime against I'm sure some anonymous source told him it would be okjust like the same anonymous sources that told Bush there was weapons of mass destruction you just can't trust these high valued family guys with moralsand he's probably got God on his side too that's what the Republicans thinkbut he did wear his flag lapel pin so he must be a great American
Where does a former "small town Midwestern school teacher" get $1.5 million???? Nowadays, telling someone you're a politician is akin to saying you're in the Mafia.
8
‘“We’re all shocked,” said Pat Brady, the former chairman of the Illinois Republican Party.’
Shocked? That bunch of stinking crooks? Only because it was found out; & who knows which of them will be next?
Shocked? That bunch of stinking crooks? Only because it was found out; & who knows which of them will be next?
15
The beauty of our system of government, is that we are innocent until proven guilty. Let us let the facts and the court determine his future.
Richard Nixon was disgraced not by the break-in but rather by the cover-up.
Arrogance is the attribute that defines this behavior.
How does a former high school coach, and a Congressmen that has to maintain two residences have access to 3.5 million dollars?
Perhaps we need to follow the money to determine funding behind this alleged cover-up.Now some will say this is politically motivated. And the earth remains flat!
Abraham Lincoln remains the standard from which all Illinois politicians and citizens should conduct themselves. This is a sad day for the Former Speaker, Illinois and our country.
Richard Nixon was disgraced not by the break-in but rather by the cover-up.
Arrogance is the attribute that defines this behavior.
How does a former high school coach, and a Congressmen that has to maintain two residences have access to 3.5 million dollars?
Perhaps we need to follow the money to determine funding behind this alleged cover-up.Now some will say this is politically motivated. And the earth remains flat!
Abraham Lincoln remains the standard from which all Illinois politicians and citizens should conduct themselves. This is a sad day for the Former Speaker, Illinois and our country.
5
who are you trying to kid this is all just a big democratic smear campaign all made up ask any Republican ;-)
Another Il. Politician joins the ranks with their ill gotten gaines and secret machinations. What ever he was involved with it had to be extremely damaging for that amount of money.
3
For those who don't seem to understand the logic of structuring offenses, they have been in place for more than 35 years. Structuring is integral to laundering the proceeds of all manner of crimes, including drug trafficking, tax evasion, identity theft and just basically any kind of illegal activity that generates money. In addition, if you pay someone (and certainly if you pay them this kind of money) you are supposed to provide them with some kind of tax documentation, and structuring the transaction to avoid reporting makes that harder to detect. And lying to the FBI about it just gives the government a freebie for the indictment. Hastert is a law and order Republican who probably hasn't given a thought in his life to the many people who are prosecuted under the same laws.
22
Hastert should have been sanctioned for his absurd Hastert's rule which crippled the minority party in Congress from being able to even bring a bill to the floor for consideration unless the majority of the majority was in favor even though there may have been enough total votes to pass. He undermined democracy at its core while leading the charge to impeach Bill Clinton. Now he being investigated and has lied to the FBI. He knows the law and thought he was above it. I can't imagine what dirt the blackmailer has on this guy for it to be worth over a million to cover up- must be pretty good.Couldn't happen to a nicer crooked lobbyist.
15
The IRS says that any transaction more than $10,000 must be reported.
http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Form-...
This is to detect criminal activity primarily tax evasion and money laundering. A case in point is:
http://mortgagefraudblog.com/former-sr-vp-pleads-guilty-misapplication-b...
Though, as recently as last year, this has apparently been over zealously enforced.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/26/us/law-lets-irs-seize-accounts-on-susp...
http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Form-...
This is to detect criminal activity primarily tax evasion and money laundering. A case in point is:
http://mortgagefraudblog.com/former-sr-vp-pleads-guilty-misapplication-b...
Though, as recently as last year, this has apparently been over zealously enforced.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/26/us/law-lets-irs-seize-accounts-on-susp...
5
Good post with facts and references.
I just dont see the crime here. It was his money to withdraw from the bank and use as he saw fit. If it was withdrawn and paid to someone pursuant to a private agreement, what business is it of the government? The law of withdrawal states that when a certain amount of funds are withdrawn it must be reported. That limit seems to not have been met or exceeded. What's the problem?
3
your information is WRONG the whole story was that he started with 50,000 dollar payments then when the bank ask him about it he lied then he went down to the 10000 dollar payments then when the FBI asked him he lied again it is illegal to pay blackmail you're supposed to report it to the authoritativeunless you're Republican then its all good whatever you want
The problem is that he intentionally withdrew amounts less than $10k over and over and over to try to escape the reporting requirement. Money launderers do this.
1
Where did a former teacher get 3.5 mill he could afford to give away? that's what I want to know.
9
Lobbying
1
What a sad state of affairs. Many people used to enter public service with the emphasis on "public" and "service." Many people still do. However, the perception is growing that there is simply too much money and that it is too easy to access and get away with it. So the flesh is weak and the corruption proceeds apace. Whether it is Hillary and Bill getting hundreds of thousands for speaking engagements, Tony Blair being a stooge for central Asian despots, Newt Gingrich being the mouthpiece for Sheldon Adelson - it all goes to corrode the trust between leaders and the governed.
4
In looking at the 'what might have been', Tom DeLay should have been chosen as speaker so that the high moral standard of the...I'm sorry, I'm laughing too hard to finish this.
31
To me (and probably many others), the overriding question is where and how did Hastert accumulate several million dollars while serving as Speaker of the House.
The Speaker "earns" $223,500 annually. Hastert was Speaker for eight years so, approximately, he banked $1.7 million for his services. That leads to some interesting possibilities that may explain where he got all this cash:
1. He saved every dime he earned, and generated substantial interest on his savings; or
2. After leaving Congress in 2008, and for the next two years as a lobbyist, he earned several millions dollars per year, certainly enough to cover this unexpected cost to a longtime acquaintance.
One defies belief, while the second option -- the more likely -- speaks to the venality of the Inside the Beltway revolving door. Disgusting.
The Speaker "earns" $223,500 annually. Hastert was Speaker for eight years so, approximately, he banked $1.7 million for his services. That leads to some interesting possibilities that may explain where he got all this cash:
1. He saved every dime he earned, and generated substantial interest on his savings; or
2. After leaving Congress in 2008, and for the next two years as a lobbyist, he earned several millions dollars per year, certainly enough to cover this unexpected cost to a longtime acquaintance.
One defies belief, while the second option -- the more likely -- speaks to the venality of the Inside the Beltway revolving door. Disgusting.
17
PaulB and ten other people,
No, you're wrong. First of all, he was a Congressman for 20 years, Speaker for 8. Second, Congressmen make $223,500, the Speaker and other 'leaders' make more. Third, for 8 years since he left Congress, he's been selling his influence as a lobbyist, likely making a million or so annually.
The source of the money is obvious. Now, perhaps he had a million illegal deals going under the table, too, but he legally grossed enough to have this kind of cash.
No, you're wrong. First of all, he was a Congressman for 20 years, Speaker for 8. Second, Congressmen make $223,500, the Speaker and other 'leaders' make more. Third, for 8 years since he left Congress, he's been selling his influence as a lobbyist, likely making a million or so annually.
The source of the money is obvious. Now, perhaps he had a million illegal deals going under the table, too, but he legally grossed enough to have this kind of cash.
this all goes back to the same old argument people making the laws using the laws to enrich themselves they know what stocks are going up and what companies are becoming public way before we do and they act on itand this one goes for both Republicans and the Democrats they been doing this for years people have tried to get back in to stop it but you can't get a Republican or a Democrat to vote against this
Don't forget insider trading. It isn't even against the law for members of Congress and their staffers to make stock transactions intended to profit on upcoming legislation.
1
If it was his money I see no reason why the government has interest in what he is doing with it. If he wants to pay someone to keep their mouth shut about something that doesn not appear to be illegal that should be no business of the governments. How he managed to get that kind of money working as a public servant is far more telling however and far more dangerous to our future as a nation.
1
Putin would agree with you.
It is of interest to the government if the person receiving the money is not declaring it to the IRS.
Whatever he did in the past -- that injured party apparently decided that if they got paid, and paid a lot, then that made up for it. Now, after getting $1.7 million in blackmail, this individual is working with the government, which I imagine means that they are planning to tell everyone what the misconduct was. Are they planning to pay Hastert back?
I'm a Democrat, but as with other commenters, my sympathy is with Hastert right now. Dude was trying to hide he was being blackmailed. Anyone would try to hide that, especially a public figure. And really -- there is a law that you can't pull your own money out of the bank in any sort of denomination you want? What's the deal with that?
I'm a Democrat, but as with other commenters, my sympathy is with Hastert right now. Dude was trying to hide he was being blackmailed. Anyone would try to hide that, especially a public figure. And really -- there is a law that you can't pull your own money out of the bank in any sort of denomination you want? What's the deal with that?
3
If someone is blackmailing you then you need to call law enforcement.
Um, the law is there first to make people pay their fair share of taxes on income as the rest of us have to do and
2..to uncover possible funding of terrorists--what if DH was giving that same amount of money in the same manner to ISIS?
NOW do you see the deal in that?
2..to uncover possible funding of terrorists--what if DH was giving that same amount of money in the same manner to ISIS?
NOW do you see the deal in that?
he knew about it you help pass these laws you just got bit by his own law
1
I'm glad he is being held accountable for something. The do nothing Congress is a legacy of the Hastert Rule, i.e., no legislation will be brought to the floor unless it can be passed by a majority of Republicans when said are in the majority. There's governing and a desire to seek solution through compromise?!
15
No wonder this country is in the shape it is in. These leaders have too much time and money on their hands to do anything meaningful. Go dig a ditch or build a house and work for a living!!!
7
Speaker Hastert's nice-guy image has been tarnished more by the fact that after leaving office he chose to become a LOBBYIST than this now-reported episode. Our politicians in both parties are too big for their britches, as though a selective process operated to ensure that public servants are chosen to milk the public. Integrity? Bah! Hastert is merely a poster boy for the way the political process operates--to the denial of public honor and the public good.
10
Hey tax accountants out there: Did he violate the annual gift tax exclusion?
8
This is an abuse of prosecutorial powers. If he's fool enough to pay blackmail, it is his money. It shouldn't be illegal to withdraw one's money in $9999. increments, and his fib to the FBI is too silly to merit prosecution, even if technically a lie (how could you prove that he didn't really distrust the banking system?).
There are good reasons for banks to "know their customers" and for law enforcement and security agencies to be aware of unusual patterns of financial transactions. It's better for those transactions to be legal, and for law enforcement to quietly investigate anomalous patterns. If they are illegal they go underground, making it harder to detect real threats.
There are good reasons for banks to "know their customers" and for law enforcement and security agencies to be aware of unusual patterns of financial transactions. It's better for those transactions to be legal, and for law enforcement to quietly investigate anomalous patterns. If they are illegal they go underground, making it harder to detect real threats.
3
He lied to the FBI. Why is he so dumb and you are so smart?
Wasn't Hastert Speaker at the time the new money-laundering went into effect, and thus instrumental in passing the very banking law that tripped him up?
As for why he was paying someone, I think it's a waste of time to speculate.
As for why he was paying someone, I think it's a waste of time to speculate.
4
Experience as a naive young Midwesterner in 1979 in DC, trying to find a government related job changed my view of American politics forever. Money flowing freely in the restaurants where I worked, elderly "statesmen" courting beautiful young ladies, young former bureaucrats making tens of thousand of dollars a year for "consulting" jobs that required only occasional meetings. I named DC the Emerald City...people and power for sale. Mr. Hassert is not unlike many before him, Tom Delay, Dan Rostenkowski, Michael Grimm, Jesse Jackson, Jr. , Spiro Agnew...the list goes on and on. The demands for fund raising and the enormous amounts of money and favors for sale to those willing to ignore the rules or bend them in DC creates a corrupt environment, and the larger public suffers. Many-not all politicians are driven, ambitious, self indulgent opportunists who will trade their integrity for power.
13
I'm dying to know what the 'misconduct' is that he is paying so much money to cover up. Sounds like it's going to be a juicy one!
9
If he had just injured someone in a particularly aggressive wrestling hold I don't think the whole coverup would have been necessary.
The FEDS always get you for lying to them; always. I'm curious as to what he could have done to cause him to pay $3.5 million to cover it up. What is so egregious?
Interesting article in the Washington Post!
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2015/05/28/former-hous...
Interesting article in the Washington Post!
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2015/05/28/former-hous...
2
Well, I don't know anymore. I'm no republican and I don't think I'm "enabling" -- I just think we have so many bigger fish to fry than this guy. And, the purpose of this law was not to catch private citizens paying hush money for private indiscretions. Who ever is in the bureau/division responsible for this indictment clearly sees an opportunity for a career changing collar & conviction. Many, many bank transfers of this type, for more and less money, do not involve indictment. But, if your looking for a way to the top as a field office agent or an ambitious AUSA, and Dennis Hastert's case comes across your desk...I wasn't a fan of Hastert (I used to call him Bastert), but really? Between this and the mega expensive international soccer indictment palooza I wonder what it's all about.
4
Am from Chicago. Dennis is from Illinois enough said. Most of our governers are making license plates in prison. Jessie Jackson's son and daughter in law, are either in the slammer or now out on parole. The whole state especially the City of Chicago has always been corrupt. With that said a great city it always worked with corruption understood.
2
As a former fighting Illini, I hope he becomes a license plate pressing professional and property of the federal pen in sly Illinois.
1
Guess what, it's a member of the GOP that did this! Yes, the same GOP that accuses 47% of us of being moochers. The same GOP that keeps saying no to everything Obama wants to do to help the average America. This is the same GOP that rants about loose morals, abortion being murder, welfare fraud, welfare queens, Democrats who flip flop, African Americans who run from the police for fear of their lives. This is the GOP that tells us to work hard and pull ourselves up by our bootstraps.
Wow, I'm impressed at how law abiding all of them are. It seems that every time they come out against something or rant about bribes, loose morals, etc., one of their well known members is caught doing just that. One word comes to mind for the entire GOP: hypocrites!
Wow, I'm impressed at how law abiding all of them are. It seems that every time they come out against something or rant about bribes, loose morals, etc., one of their well known members is caught doing just that. One word comes to mind for the entire GOP: hypocrites!
26
Speaking of hypocrisy - you know you just called them a GRAND OLD PARTY six times in that one comment.
Six.
Watch your language. Don't build their brand. Don't let them pwn you any longer.
Six.
Watch your language. Don't build their brand. Don't let them pwn you any longer.
What does any of that have to do with this. Hastert wasn't a corrupt Repiblican he was a corrupt Representative. Rangel wasn't a corrupt Democrat he was a corrupt Representative etc. When you play the partisan game then only someone on the other team can do anything bad while those on your team can do no wrong. Where is your principal in this or are you really the bigger hypocrite.
It's hard for folks in New Orleans to shed a tear for a House leader who questioned rebuilding the city after Katrina. Mentioning his name down here still raises hackles. We won't complain if the wheels of justice grind him into mincemeat.
30
Mincemeat without any civilized seasoning. More like fast food burger - imagine what delicious meals upon which he will be dining in the graybar hotel.
The problem is, what if the conduct he's covering up was legal?
Let's say, for argument's sake, he's covering up an affair. Now, would I pay $3.5M to cover up an affair? Probably not. But, if you have $17M, a divorce alone is going to cost you about $9M. $3.5 starts to look like a deal.
Why, exactly, should that be any of the government's business?
If he committed a crime, charge him with that. If all you have is the 'smoke', caution should be the order of the day. The fact that the FBI apparently knows who the payee is, but isn't saying, worries me also. If they know who that person is, they should be able to charge him for the "misconduct"... unless it was unflattering but legal conduct.
Let's say, for argument's sake, he's covering up an affair. Now, would I pay $3.5M to cover up an affair? Probably not. But, if you have $17M, a divorce alone is going to cost you about $9M. $3.5 starts to look like a deal.
Why, exactly, should that be any of the government's business?
If he committed a crime, charge him with that. If all you have is the 'smoke', caution should be the order of the day. The fact that the FBI apparently knows who the payee is, but isn't saying, worries me also. If they know who that person is, they should be able to charge him for the "misconduct"... unless it was unflattering but legal conduct.
8
"The problem is, what if the conduct he's covering up was legal?" The problem, David, is that it's not legal. If true, he deliberately structured payments to avoid having them reported to the IRS. This is an excellent way to, say, launder money or to help the recipient avoid taxes when the amount exceeds federal gift limits. The IRS tends to frown on unreported income, as well they should.
4
That is what I was thinking. He did not break the banking rule so what was the problem? Does the law draw the line at $10,000 and more from an account or is it less that should be reported? When Hastert was asked about the money by investigators he should have said it was his business and not theirs.
Title 18 of the US Code, Section 1001, makes it illegal to lie to a federal agent.
If he lied to the FBI, one of the items for which he has been indicted, he's broken the law, regardless of anything he is, or isn't, covering up.
If he lied to the FBI, one of the items for which he has been indicted, he's broken the law, regardless of anything he is, or isn't, covering up.
2
Another corrupt politician? You must be joking. The Feds could work on Capitol Hill until the end of time and still not uncover all the misconduct. It is truly amazing. Rome is indeed burning.
10
Why didn't he just admit he was paying someone as a freelance employee and tax deduct it? Sounds like the payee was trying to avoid taxes too. Also, if a politician wasn't involved, I believe the "misconduct" would have been revealed by the FBI now. They must know and have interviewed both parties.
5
Yea, if he had done that he would be in the clear, like the Clinton's
The GOP again? So let's keep up the GET HILLARY war...but never, but never dare to scrutinize the actions of the big GOP bulls with all the power right? So..First Gingrich ...now Hastert? A herd of GOP unicorns? Or, business as usual?
16
For those who are so quick to excuse the violation of the laws about reporting cash transactions: Let me remind you that the law enforcement "authorities" across our nation have been "confiscating" millions of dollars annually, in the form of relatively small "seizures" of cash, from innocent law-abiding citizens because they cannot satisfactorily answer why they simply possess the cash. So it is that the simple act of carrying $5,000 in one-hundred-dollar bills to purchase a used car can land a working man in hot water and he can lose that money and have absolutely no recourse or hope to recover it.
As for this Hastert, an important and powerful man, I say this is good payback. Whatever he did that he felt compelled to pay that kind of hush money is about to be exposed: simmer in it, sir.
As for this Hastert, an important and powerful man, I say this is good payback. Whatever he did that he felt compelled to pay that kind of hush money is about to be exposed: simmer in it, sir.
18
And here we have another corrupt lying parasitical politician. So what else is new?
7
Another Illinois pol indicted. Seems to be the norm. However in this case the scandal seems to be while Hastert was a high school wrestling coach, prior to his political career, although the details are very sketchy. Besides the reason for the large regular withdrawals it would be useful to know the source of such large sums of cash. To those who question the legitimacy of the banking regulations involved the reason is to be able to track potentially illegal money laundering schemes.
3
DBakes,
Why not just surveil everyone all the time? I mean, you might potentially do something illegal. I think there should be "regulations" allowing the government to track you and your money. And, of course, to seize it without charges if they merely suspect you.
You realize that police departments all over this country are routinely seizing cash and property in order to fund their operations, right? No possibility for abuse there, no sir.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/10/us/police-use-department-wish-list-whe...
Why not just surveil everyone all the time? I mean, you might potentially do something illegal. I think there should be "regulations" allowing the government to track you and your money. And, of course, to seize it without charges if they merely suspect you.
You realize that police departments all over this country are routinely seizing cash and property in order to fund their operations, right? No possibility for abuse there, no sir.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/10/us/police-use-department-wish-list-whe...
Why do all the stories about this indictment avoid the word "blackmail"? Paying someone huge sums to keep quiet is the definition of blackmail. Why isn't the blackmailer being identified and charged?
10
It must really be embarrassing for Hastert not to have gone to the FBI first and said someone is trying to blackmail me, then they would have given him the cash in marked bills and arrested person A upon receipt. Instead, he goes and violates money laundering statutes and section 1001, makes it a crime to lie to a federal official conducting a duly authorized investigation, even if NOT placed under oath; however, he was entitled to be warned about 1001 before answering questions!
absent probable cause for investigation of a crime still within statutes of limitation, and absent evidence that mr hastert's reportable withdrawals were used for criminal activity, his adjustments to avoid reporting are not criminal per se (no tax scam, etc.) and as far as lying to the fbi goes, if the matter was personal, it's none of the fbi's business.
1
Absent...absent...absent...really.
I'll give this weight when State or the DOJ pays some attention to the Clintons.
So far the story here is that he avoided reporting, not that he did something nefarious.
Wake me when our Federal Government shows some integrity.
So far the story here is that he avoided reporting, not that he did something nefarious.
Wake me when our Federal Government shows some integrity.
2
Clinton was disbarred and impeached by the House. He lied under oath and was thoroughly investigated by a special prosecutor. Sorry you wanted more but certainly, certain elements of law enforcement did not ignore Bill Clinton and his transgressions.
Ken Starr paid attention to the Clintons and millions of dollars later said there was nothing there.
Oh, please. The Clintons have been investigated time and again, and what has been found? Nada. Zip. Zilch. Zero. Goose eggs.
That meme isn't just old, it's irrelevant.
Move on, dude.
That meme isn't just old, it's irrelevant.
Move on, dude.
3
How did Mr. Hastert come up with $3.5M to pay someone off for some unstated reason given his past employment history?
9
Mr Hastert was a US Representative for 20 years, with a salary of about a quarter-million per. Since then, he's been a lobbyist for eight years, probably making several times more per year.
No surprise. Hastert's from Illinois, the most corrupt state in the Union.
2
Yes, nothing like this has ever occurred any where else. No where.
So he took his own money out of his own bank accounts and that is a crime?
This is ridiculous. Next time you make a withdrawal from your bank account - make sure that the government knows about it because if they don't --- it's a crime.
This man was a victim of a blackmailer --- at this point he is the victim not the criminal. Yet he is being charged with a crime of taking his own money from his own bank account.
As far as the blackmailer --- if he "knows" of nefarious behavior by Hastert and uses that leverage to extort money --- then, he is a criminal. Period.
This is ridiculous. Next time you make a withdrawal from your bank account - make sure that the government knows about it because if they don't --- it's a crime.
This man was a victim of a blackmailer --- at this point he is the victim not the criminal. Yet he is being charged with a crime of taking his own money from his own bank account.
As far as the blackmailer --- if he "knows" of nefarious behavior by Hastert and uses that leverage to extort money --- then, he is a criminal. Period.
7
Based on the limited information in the article, I would agree with J Arabia.
This sounds pretty rediculous. What a waste of time.
This sounds pretty rediculous. What a waste of time.
Did we read the same article? It doesn't have to be "blackmail", it could be an out of court settlement that he wants to keep quiet. Bank reporting requirements are the law, circumventing them and lying to the FBI are indeed crimes.
Should the law apply differently to rich white guys that are paying off past misdeeds (if that's what it is)?
Should the law apply differently to rich white guys that are paying off past misdeeds (if that's what it is)?
1
Not sure what the big mystery is -- Hastert first broke the law by lying to the FBI -- yes, that is an actual crime. Then he broke the law by skirting bank requirements requiring him to report the sums he was withdrawing. As for the 'blackmailer', there's actually nothing to say that Hastert isn't actually the one who offered to pay this person -- that's what 'hush money' is after all, and that he was not necessarily extorted by the person.
As the comic said, "It's the 99% in Congress who are corrupt that make the other 1% look bad."
14
How is it that Hastert doesn't carry a "Do Not Prosecute" card the way the big bankers and war criminals do? I suppose the rules for issuing those are not written down and depend on where the money flows -- maybe Hastert should have poured some millions into the right PACs?
4
Most wealthy get their "Do Not Prosecute" cards by virtue of 'generous' campaign contributions. Hastert was on the other end of those contributions. If you buy yourself enough politicians, you can do anything you want... but Hastert was only one.
“It’s been a total shock in the Land of Lincoln."
I'll tell you who would be shocked. Lincoln! He'd be shocked by the path the Republican party has taken.
I'll tell you who would be shocked. Lincoln! He'd be shocked by the path the Republican party has taken.
18
So glad the GOP has fallen all over itself on the "Hastert Rules." Karma, karma, karma!
15
As a life-long "yellow dog" Democrat, I get no pleasure out of this sad story.
What "misconduct" (sounds a lot like "mistakes were made") of Mr. Hastert is the FBI covering up? And why? Does the FBI itself have something to hide?
Conspiracy theorize much, Mr. Eller?
No, just follow the news, observe human nature, and develop expectations. Not disappointed often enough. No need for embroidery, Embroiderista.
1
"Not disappointed often enough."
True, Mr. Eller; very true, indeed, which is sad for all of us.
True, Mr. Eller; very true, indeed, which is sad for all of us.
I m naive in that I am consistently shocked by stories like this. I always figured that these politicians, especially a guy like this, Speaker of the House, knew better.
Now I am coming to realize that a lot of low-morality people who are not troubled by bending the law to enrich themselves in order to avoid doing any real work, plus some outright crooks, would naturally turn to politics as a safer, cushier and equally lucrative avocation. It's not really about "serving" and "giving back" anymore. It's about the money.
Congress. It's akin to one big racket. They ought to make a movie about them. Call it "Goodfellas II".
Now I am coming to realize that a lot of low-morality people who are not troubled by bending the law to enrich themselves in order to avoid doing any real work, plus some outright crooks, would naturally turn to politics as a safer, cushier and equally lucrative avocation. It's not really about "serving" and "giving back" anymore. It's about the money.
Congress. It's akin to one big racket. They ought to make a movie about them. Call it "Goodfellas II".
8
Not a fan of Hastert or leadership in either party, but this seems like an incredible overreach by the FBI. If the charge were for the "misconduct" assuming that it was a criminal act, then go for it. On the face of it, this is no different that Clinton's lying under oath
17
"incredible overreach" seems to be todays ditto comment.
You don't understand the difference between perjury and conspiring to avoid federal reporting requirements? It's very different, unless you want to argue that one crime is equivalent to all other crimes.
1
The difference is that Hastert definitely lied to the FBI while Clinton was aquitted since it was not proven that he knowingly lied, not just was mistaken, on material facts. If it was proven true than it would have been the same.
Regardless of Mr. Hastert's behavior, does anyone else have a problem with the charge of "lying to the FBI"? Isn't this taking the power of the federal government to a new level. I will never answer any question from an FBI agent about anything.
2
You don't have to answer. If you choose to answer, you can't lie.
Let's see: "Mr. Hastert, what were you doing with the money?" "I don't trust banks, so I was hiding it under my mattress" is very different than "I was withdrawing the money to avoid federal transaction reporting requirements and federal gift limits while conspiring with the recipient to avoid reporting the income and to protect my reputation." But hey, I suppose a world where people lie with impunity to FBI investigators without consequences will work out just fine.
Illinois has been a cesspool for a long time and will continue to be one. Shame on both parties.
1
Ex Speaker Hastert hasn't committed such a great crime to warrant a front page headline in the NYT,had he not been an Ex Speaker specially from GOP.
What's his crime number 1,withdrawing his OWN MONEY from the bank albeit in smaller quantities than is mandated as "Reportable under Federal Laws"
His second "Crime" is to give his money to someone whom he desires to give.
I don't understand what's the fuss all about.
What's his crime.? What has he done to affect you or the nation.
Now comes the hypothesis & presupposition that he's been blackmailed.
Remember you are dealing with an Ex Speaker of US Congress & not some Johnny come lately guy who does not understand the difference between being blackmailed & who gives in free will.
Assuming he's blackmailed,who is the criminal?
In youth some error in judgment does take place & it's time to forgive & forget.
You are electing an Congressman & not a saint.
Compared to crimes that's taking place,this ain't no crime.
What's his crime number 1,withdrawing his OWN MONEY from the bank albeit in smaller quantities than is mandated as "Reportable under Federal Laws"
His second "Crime" is to give his money to someone whom he desires to give.
I don't understand what's the fuss all about.
What's his crime.? What has he done to affect you or the nation.
Now comes the hypothesis & presupposition that he's been blackmailed.
Remember you are dealing with an Ex Speaker of US Congress & not some Johnny come lately guy who does not understand the difference between being blackmailed & who gives in free will.
Assuming he's blackmailed,who is the criminal?
In youth some error in judgment does take place & it's time to forgive & forget.
You are electing an Congressman & not a saint.
Compared to crimes that's taking place,this ain't no crime.
2
I think his crime no 1 was lying to the FBI. The 'pattern of money withdrawals' that everyone is shrugging their shoulders about is probably not illegal in itself. But that he did it in a deliberate fashion, with knowledge of forethought as they say.
I'm shocked by the shock and surprise expressed about this indictment. At a holiday event in Massachusetts a couple years ago, a visitor from Chicago said Hastert was in trouble and would be indicted. So there's been plenty of grist for the rumor mill for a long time.
3
Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. That's the main thing that ties democrats and republicans, whatever their differences on issues. If John F. Kennedy's attorney general and defense secretary had recommended that our consulate in the Dominican Republic be bombed, as an excuse for the U.S. to invade that country and replace its president or that Lyndon Johnson concocted the Tonkin Gulf incident as a pretext for our involvement in the Vietnam War or George Bush's fanciful assertion of WMD in Iraq, why should Americans be shocked at politicians lining their pockets. I greatly fear for our republic.
2
The Hastert Rule: You can never be too liquid.
8
A shock in the land of Lincoln? I moved out of Illinois a block into Indiana and may sneer at those unhappy people with impunity, in the relatively more transparent and less tarnished polity known as the state of Indiana. Illinois is a cesspit of corruption at all levels of politics, both parties are so covered with its slime that there's not enough water in Lake Michigan to cleanse them. Since I work in law enforcement I know that I'll always have a gigantic caseload coming at me until I retire or die, because of the rampant lawlessness prevalent in Illinois.
1
Karin Byars said: "It seems to me once I have money in the bank it is nobody's business how many bills I pick up on my morning walk to the bank. Let the FBI or IRS worry about how I got the money, not how I spend it."
Except, maybe you're hiding that you're spending CASH (that's what this is about) to block voters from going to the polls; or have somebody's leg's broken; or to blowup somebody's church; or to have somebody decide that money is speech. Despite what many here apparently believe, the public (government) does have reasons for the laws it prosecutes and after reading these many naive comments here I'm certainly glad that its prosecutors are going after FIFA and Hastert.
Except, maybe you're hiding that you're spending CASH (that's what this is about) to block voters from going to the polls; or have somebody's leg's broken; or to blowup somebody's church; or to have somebody decide that money is speech. Despite what many here apparently believe, the public (government) does have reasons for the laws it prosecutes and after reading these many naive comments here I'm certainly glad that its prosecutors are going after FIFA and Hastert.
12
Grandpasteel,
The point is, if the money was being used for any of those things, then prosecute him for "those things". Hard to believe anyone can support prosecuting someone for withdrawing their own money from their bank.
If they can't find enough evidence to indict him for any of "those things", then there's a problem with their theory.
That said, we have let people turn our financial infrastructure into a giant casino with loaded dice while prosecutors "go after FIFA and Hastert" and others. I think that's wildly misguided, but maybe you think football is far more important.
The point is, if the money was being used for any of those things, then prosecute him for "those things". Hard to believe anyone can support prosecuting someone for withdrawing their own money from their bank.
If they can't find enough evidence to indict him for any of "those things", then there's a problem with their theory.
That said, we have let people turn our financial infrastructure into a giant casino with loaded dice while prosecutors "go after FIFA and Hastert" and others. I think that's wildly misguided, but maybe you think football is far more important.
Hey People, we MISSING the bigger picture. Rather than focus on blackmail, secrecy, morality, etc, take a look at how we are screwing ourselves by allowing government officials to get rich while in "public service". We need to change government. For example, 1) all government workers should fall under the laws the rest of us are required to abide by, lest they are part of some monarchy 2) elected officials should never be allowed to serve as lobbyists, 3) public employee unions should be prohibited. REFORM your government or simply enjoy the entertainment.
13
Many of us can see republican officials like Hastert exactly for what they are. Hastert, Cruz, Rubio, Issa?.......please. What's wrong with people in the red states who keep voting for these people.
23
Yes, because corruption is confined to the Republican party, after all.
It's my theory that the red states = churches. Churches take the conservative path even in politics. And it's not uncommon for the Ministers to advise their parishioners on who they should vote for.
I'm more surprised by his stupidity in handling the hush money payments than the fact that he had something to hide. From the Clintons on down, these politicians are just plain shabby and contemptible.
2
As one who grew up in his district I am not surprised. It was once known as a district that would vote any crook along as they were a Republican. Kane and DuPage counties were known for their conservatism.
3
Wasn't this a plot on the Sopranos ? Edi Falco was trying to steal money from Tony and was taking it out in chunks less than $10000 so the govt didn't know ? You got to be kidding me .
4
Reporting large withdraws is supposed to expose criminal activity. So what did the FBI expose, that this guy was being blackmailed? And he is in trouble for paying a blackmailer? This stinks of election politics.
1
You know Ray, he is not running, right? But he is a paid lobbyist and that is where the money came from.
1
Arent you the slightest bit curious as to why Mr. Hastert was being blackmailed? After all, no one pays money to cover up nothing. Where there is smoke there is fire.
1
"This stinks of election politics"
Hastert isn't running for office. He retired years ago to take a much more lucrative job as a lobbyist.
Hastert isn't running for office. He retired years ago to take a much more lucrative job as a lobbyist.
2
"Yeah. I kept the cash. That's what I'm doing."
All that's missing is...."So I could spend it on my wife...uh....Morgan Fairchild. Yeah....that's the ticket!"
All that's missing is...."So I could spend it on my wife...uh....Morgan Fairchild. Yeah....that's the ticket!"
4
The question we were asking in Illinois for a long time is how a high school wrestling coach ended up a millionaire --- of course that question could probably be asked of all members of Congress and the Senate.
17
ACJ,
Google can answer that. His salary as a US Rep was about $250k for 20 years. Can you do the math?
Hastert is making Illinois look bad enough, he doesn't need your help.
Google can answer that. His salary as a US Rep was about $250k for 20 years. Can you do the math?
Hastert is making Illinois look bad enough, he doesn't need your help.
Did the math---after taxes and not sending a dime of his salary, he almost covers the bribe (3.5 million). And you can be sure that this is only a fraction of his wealth.
I know little about Dennis Hastert, but I find it disturbing that he is being persecuted for violating banking laws while his blackmailer is apparently being charged with nothing.
5
Our roads and infrastructure are crumbling, and the crooks that won't pass bills to fund them are finally getting caught for their financial corruption.
7
The article did not specifically detail the "misconduct" that Mr. Hastert was hiding. I believe the "misconduct" must be revealed in order to truly understand the magnitude of his crime. I assume the "misconduct" had more to do with violating the Commandments than man's laws. Obviously the payments were not the result of a legal settlement, such as that between Paula Jones and Bill Clinton, or else Mr. Hastert would not have to sneak around and cover it up with lies. He must be very ashamed of whatever he did.
3
Hastert, the maker of rules, appears to believe that rules are made to be broken.
Anyone who thinks that moving millions of dollars in cash anonymously is a trivial matter has seriously confused lawmaking with deal-making, and power with freedom to break the law.
Anyone who thinks that moving millions of dollars in cash anonymously is a trivial matter has seriously confused lawmaking with deal-making, and power with freedom to break the law.
14
Cue up narrator Stacy Keach for yet another new installment of CNBC's "American Greed: Scams, Scoundrels and Scandals."
8
What is the crime and why is this pack of jackals baying at his heels? Lying to the FBI?? Trying to hide your financial transactions from the government?? Being a former Congressman?? It is Kafkaesque.
3
Not necessarily "kafkasesque." We don't know yet what the FBI knows about the underlying cause of the blackmail. This may in fact entail criminal activity. Lying to congress when under oath is a form of perjury, and moving money so as to avoid reporting requirements is at a minimum suspicious and, if there is criminal intent, also a crime.
What's that old line? "Politicians can survive anything except..." It's pretty clear he wasn't found with a dead girl so? Also how the heck can you be a former speaker and big time lobbyist and around the most corrupt people on the planet and not know about the banking $10,000 rule. He should go to jail for stupidity alone.
I wonder if the GOP is brainstorming to change the name of the Hastert Rule like they changed French fries to freedom fries. Maybe steal the Dana Carvey impression of Bush 41 and just call the absurd rule "not gonna do it".
I wonder if the GOP is brainstorming to change the name of the Hastert Rule like they changed French fries to freedom fries. Maybe steal the Dana Carvey impression of Bush 41 and just call the absurd rule "not gonna do it".
5
He doesn't trust the banking system?!? A career politician who has nothing to do with his own country's full faith and credit? What a gas bag of baloney-another fat cat who forgot everything he ever knew about being truthful. Now watch him tear up, find Jesus, and declare himself a (now) honest man. Where is Diogenes when we need him...
9
Forgive me for waxing nostalgic, but I remember a time when if a person demanded payments from another so as to not reveal embarrassing or incriminating information, it was a felony called "blackmail". Now, we have a case in which "Individual A" gets off, and the victim is charged for withdrawing his own money. This rises above common political considerations (wishing Congressmen went to jail) and shows the terrible misguidance of the FBI and its mother, the Justice [sic] department.
The FBI has time to go on an international witch hunt (FIFA) and prosecute the victim of blackmail, but does nothing about the banksters or the money laundering and tax-evasive practices of large corporations.
The FBI has time to go on an international witch hunt (FIFA) and prosecute the victim of blackmail, but does nothing about the banksters or the money laundering and tax-evasive practices of large corporations.
4
He had the opportunity to tell the FBI that he was being blackmailed, if that's what was going on, but he didn't. It sounds like Denny did something very questionable, to say the least, which is why he couldn't tell the FBI.
Jeff, I work under these same regs. If I were subject to these laws with annual testing and mandatory compliance of money laundering rules thwarting terrorists and drug lords and Congress was not? Are you feeling sorry for Congress? Yes we should prosecute the CEO class of the five largest banks for malfeasance and breaking these same laws. We (USA) can afford to uphold these laws for everyone but especially for elected (or former) officials who write these laws, don't you think? If they can go to prison how likely are they to make it easy for their friends in high places to avoid the same consequences?
Mr. Hastert is now a lobbyist who was breaking the law. Perhaps the lobbyists should hire lobbyists to protect them prosecution like corporations do? Blackmail? This story is just started.
Mr. Hastert is now a lobbyist who was breaking the law. Perhaps the lobbyists should hire lobbyists to protect them prosecution like corporations do? Blackmail? This story is just started.
He was paying hush money, and for what we don't yet know. I think there's a scandal and once it's revealed then and only then can you decide who the real victim really is.
"Unnamed person"; "past misconduct". MONEY! Sounds a whole lot like blackmail, hush-money. So who is the criminal, the payor or the payee?
4
to those criticizing this guy because he is a Republican sleaze slinging around money I have four words for you: William Jefferson democrat Louisiana. Let the blameless sleaze sling the first wad of cash.
3
If I'm reading this correctly Hastert did something wrong ( a "misconduct"). And it also reads like he was being blackmailed. Unfortunately for him, the details of his "misconduct" he has tried to hide and paid so dearly to hide, will now likely be disclosed. But without knowing the details of that "misconduct" isn't the party getting the payments the one who's certainly committing a crime?
3
Not really. It is not clear what Hastert is trying ti hide. The person who received the money approached Hastert and somehow Hastert started paying that person lots of money. Is it extortion, blackmail or some other criminal violation on the part of the payee or is it something that Hastert was doing out of the goodness of hie heart and he did not know the contents of laws he passed?
No surprise to me that yet another hypocritical republican politician is caught. I have always been furious that this so-called "coach" spent a lot of effort trying to gut Title IX which gave equality to girls' and women's sports, in the name of saving wrestling, which has had dwindling participation for years. So while he was a high school boys' wrestling coach he didn't believe girls should have equal sports opportunities. We have to wonder why.
9
I really despised Hastert as Speaker. He was in charge as the Bush administration passed big government, budget-busting programs like Medicare Part D. He shares the blame for the fact that we borrowed all the money to fight the Iraq war. And of course he's become a millionaire by moving to K Street and trading on his former position. His public record epitomizes the term "hack."
It's also clear that at the bottom of these payments to "Individual A" there's something salacious, which has wide swathes of the media salivating for the details.
But who is the real villain of the piece? Not Hastert or the media, but the government. What business do the Feds have tracking Hastert's bank withdrawals? It's obvious that he's not a drug kingpin or a funder of terrorists. Why then are my tax dollars going to pay the snooping lawyers and FBI agents who have looked in Hastert's private affairs? Big Brother, go home!
Hastert is going to suffer the fate of Martha Stewart and others like her. His private acts have not had the slightest effect on the public good, but he will have to pay big time for lying to a government lawyer. It's crazy, but true.
It's also clear that at the bottom of these payments to "Individual A" there's something salacious, which has wide swathes of the media salivating for the details.
But who is the real villain of the piece? Not Hastert or the media, but the government. What business do the Feds have tracking Hastert's bank withdrawals? It's obvious that he's not a drug kingpin or a funder of terrorists. Why then are my tax dollars going to pay the snooping lawyers and FBI agents who have looked in Hastert's private affairs? Big Brother, go home!
Hastert is going to suffer the fate of Martha Stewart and others like her. His private acts have not had the slightest effect on the public good, but he will have to pay big time for lying to a government lawyer. It's crazy, but true.
1
You don't know what he was using the money for. Reporting such withdrawals is supposed to be confidential. Its the failure to disclose that is the crime passed I believe during Hastert's time in the House.
Another corrupt politician, so whats new? What was the money paid for, that is the big question. Blackmail will always lead you to bigger crimes. Can't wait for the details. Who is the 'hidden individual'?
3
Why does Penn State come to my mind? Mr. Hastert's name seems to be on a journey where it ends in an orbit similar to Joe. He either was aware of or involved in something bad. He was paying a lot of money to maintain the Hastert façade. Stuff does float....eventually.
2
I have met many ordinary people in my long life. Never have I known anyone as morally bankrupt, corrupt, and greedy as a lot of politicians are. What is wrong with our system of government that only the worst and weakest get elected and stay elected? So many smart and ethical people in this country and this is the best we can get? It makes me sick.
28
I guess there is a god after all.
8
Whether it's slick Willie (or Bubba from his heavier years), Hillary and Whitewater/shred gate or the NYC/Chicago Democratic machine, as a proud Democrat, I hate to admit that my party and its members have a long history of corruption.
Not surprising that this Drew Carey look alike is also among the many Dems busted!
Not surprising that this Drew Carey look alike is also among the many Dems busted!
1
Huh?
1
Nice try, but Mr. Hastert is a Republican.
Denny is a Republican but it really makes no difference.
Mr. Hastert, the longest-serving Republican speaker, had worked as a lobbyist since leaving office. Hmm, have you heard about Revolving door? According to statistics, 73% of officials in Congress use their ties and work as lobbyists after leaving office. Obama promised to stop this vicious practice, but nothing seems to be done.
“That’s why I’m in this race. I am in this race to tell the corporate lobbyists that their days of setting the agenda in Washington are over. I have done more than any other candidate in this race to take on lobbyists – and won”. Barack Obama, 2007
“That’s why I’m in this race. I am in this race to tell the corporate lobbyists that their days of setting the agenda in Washington are over. I have done more than any other candidate in this race to take on lobbyists – and won”. Barack Obama, 2007
2
Once again, it's the cover-up that gets the politician in trouble, not the actual misconduct.
Then again, I am assuming misconduct. What the government assumes is that these relatively minor charges now give permission to the media to investigate and report on whatever is being covered-up. Maybe it will be disgraceful, maybe it will be honorable. Either way, it will now be known, which seems like the real point of these charges.
Then again, I am assuming misconduct. What the government assumes is that these relatively minor charges now give permission to the media to investigate and report on whatever is being covered-up. Maybe it will be disgraceful, maybe it will be honorable. Either way, it will now be known, which seems like the real point of these charges.
5
I think extortion by the unnamed source is the better story and worse crime. Obviously, the amount extorted suggests this isn't a jay walking ticket.
8
What was the money paid for? It's implicit in the paragraph that says he was a wrestling coach and has known the blackmailer all of that person's life.
6
Judgement can fail. I have no love for Republicans but perhaps this man needs a medical evaluation.
1
This seems to be the tip of the iceberg; an introduction to a much larger story and a fishing expedition for the cause of the blackmail. I am so programmed to expect politicians to be corrupt that I continually wonder who will get caught next. It seems inevitable that life as a politician includes too many opportunities that are ethically questionable.
I really wish lifetime benefits be eliminated to those that are successfully prosecuted. That money is an unjust reward.
I really wish lifetime benefits be eliminated to those that are successfully prosecuted. That money is an unjust reward.
6
What caused the former speaker to pay someone over 1.5 million. Inquiring minds want to know.
10
I would not be surprised if the Party who received payment will be charged with income tax fraud at the minimum and have to pay a lot of back taxes and penalty for the funds he or she received.
8
Hastert probably owes gift tax on the money too.
They may become acquainted with the inside of the big house.
Hmmm...how about extortion?
What did he do that was illegal? It was his money, right? Aside from the fact that the "misconduct" might have been illegal, where is the crime here?
3
gifts above a certain threshold have to be reported to the IRS for 'gift tax' - these were way over..
5
@ Nick S
"What did he do that was illegal?"
1. Evaded banking laws whose primary purpose is to detect other more serious crimes like money laundering, terrorism, drug dealing, etc.
2. Lied to the FBI
Apparently, this is all fine by you (eye-roll)
"What did he do that was illegal?"
1. Evaded banking laws whose primary purpose is to detect other more serious crimes like money laundering, terrorism, drug dealing, etc.
2. Lied to the FBI
Apparently, this is all fine by you (eye-roll)
13
Lying to criminal investigators is a crime.
If one carefully reads the accounts of the alleged meetings, it is indicated the source of the accounts is the other party involved "A". The circumstances resulting in "A" speaking with the FBI are speculative at this point; failure to report the $1.7 million in cash on tax returns, dissatisfaction with the payment arrangements by Mr. Hassert, anger or guility conscience about the recieving payments for keeping the alleged misconduct secret.
Lying to the FBI and intentionally structuring withdrawls to evade bank reporting requirements are serious charges. Mr. Hassert should have known better and contacted competent legal counsel before speaking with the FBI about the withdrawals. I conjecture subject "A" is cooperating with the FBI for consideration against whatever potential charges being considered for providing testimony agasinst Mr. Hassert.
Lying to the FBI and intentionally structuring withdrawls to evade bank reporting requirements are serious charges. Mr. Hassert should have known better and contacted competent legal counsel before speaking with the FBI about the withdrawals. I conjecture subject "A" is cooperating with the FBI for consideration against whatever potential charges being considered for providing testimony agasinst Mr. Hassert.
13
So, Hastert was making lawful, but embarrassing payments and when asked about them didn't tell the truth. It's a way for the government to criminalize what is otherwise apparently lawful behavior. It may be a technical crime, but this sort of use of the powers of prosecution don't sit well with me and I think many Americans agree with me.
1
whether gift or payment for services, Mr. Hastert had an obligation to report the money transfers - someone needed to pay tax on them as either gift or income
6
They were not lawful. That's the point. The law is there to prevent money laundering for bad people (mafia, terrorists, drug dealers, etc). But its still a crime for everyone. Hastert was the longest serving Republican Speaker of the House in history, he should have known better.
I agree with many of the comments here that raise the point that if the law was designed to force reporting on withdrawals/transfers greater than $10,000 why was the FBI/IRS investigating withdrawals of smaller amounts? Isn't this equivalent to cops tailing someone driving consistently just a mile or two under the speed limit?
I understand that lying to FBI agents is the bigger issue here, but if it is lying about legal transactions to cover up private affairs then it would seem it is not the government's business.
I understand that lying to FBI agents is the bigger issue here, but if it is lying about legal transactions to cover up private affairs then it would seem it is not the government's business.
3
Apparently, her started out making withdrawals of $50,000 (over the limit) and not reporting it (a crime). Then realized his error and started taking out just below the limit (a crime under anti money laundering laws when intended to fool the IRS). If I had to guess, I would imagine the larger withdrawals early on where what tipped off the Feds.
Agree. In fact, most of the commentators here who would happily lynch Hassert were aghast when republicans basically charged President Clinton with the same crime.
Because it's also a crime to structure transactions in a manner that related transactions amounting to more than $10,000 are broken up into smaller-than-10K chunks to avoid currency transaction reports.
So, $3.5M in payoffs to some undisclosed person after he already left office? This is going to be big! Former students? Maybe little boys or girls? School administrators? Congressional mistresses? Lobbyists? Next door neighbors? Wife's best fiend? Who knows? Just great all-American political fun. Bill Crandall
8
Actually, I didn't quite catch the news due to my poor English, is that Mr. Hastert the longest-serving Republican speaker, once was a coach and a popular leader, is charged by providing $3.5 million to someone for his "misconduct", is that right? Can anyone help me to answer? tks a lot.
He's done a no-no!
Public trust in him and the quality of his leadership are challenged. You don't lie to the FBI and public officials who are investigating.... Once doubting begins, who knows how deep and long will this trail go? How many others knew of this as well? What crimes might they have committed as well? It is a terrible "black eye" on the Republican Party for having him in a leadership role. The Democrats have had this as well.... it's just that this time it's the Republicans turn.
Public trust in him and the quality of his leadership are challenged. You don't lie to the FBI and public officials who are investigating.... Once doubting begins, who knows how deep and long will this trail go? How many others knew of this as well? What crimes might they have committed as well? It is a terrible "black eye" on the Republican Party for having him in a leadership role. The Democrats have had this as well.... it's just that this time it's the Republicans turn.
yes. The former speaker did something bad when he was young.
You got it.
There are a number of potential crimes here. First, the blackmailer is conducting illegal behavior. It is illegal to blackmail someone. Second, Hastert is not declaring the payments as income given to another. In theory, he should have filed a 1099-MISC form indicating that he made the payments. Third, the blackmailer should have declared the payments as income. Thus, there is tax evasion. Fourth, Hastert modified the withdrawals to avoid bank reporting thresholds. I suspect that this is illegal according to the Patriot Act, though I'm not completely sure. Fifth, Hastert lied to bank officials, the IRS and the FBI. That's a real 'no-no' when it comes to explaining one's behavior to public officials. Those agencies don't like being lied to and can probably cook up a half dozen other charges against him. In short, Hastert is in serious legal trouble and will most likely be charged for one or more of those behaviors.
As regards the blackmailer, let's hope this individual goes to jail for a very long time.
As regards the blackmailer, let's hope this individual goes to jail for a very long time.
10
Where on the 1099-MISC do you check blackmail? :)
Let's hear the salacious details behind Hastert's payoffs to Individual A. I suspect we would then have a truer measure as to why members of the public are outraged. It might not be about the government reporting requirement.
1
Surely a former Speaker of the House knows it's a crime to lie to the FBI. Yet he did anyway - and a really dumb lie at that. And he continued to make these withdrawals and payments even after being questioned by bank authorities. Which tells me that whatever "misconduct" he was trying to cover up with millions in hush money must be something heinous.
As others here have noted, the indictment points out that Hastert was a high school teacher and wrestling coach. That bit of info is not there randomly.
Watch out - something much uglier than financial misdeeds is about to hit the fan.
As others here have noted, the indictment points out that Hastert was a high school teacher and wrestling coach. That bit of info is not there randomly.
Watch out - something much uglier than financial misdeeds is about to hit the fan.
19
And news just in that the Spesker of the Illinois House of Representstives, Mike Madigan D-Joliet Prison, proposed legislation last month to erect a $500,000 statue to Hastert in Springfield, where he got his start! This same Madigan, who has been Speaker 28 of the past 30 years, just submitted a budget that is 3 BILLION in the red.
What an example of bipartisanship. What the hell is wrong with my state? I am without hope.
What an example of bipartisanship. What the hell is wrong with my state? I am without hope.
9
It's not just your state. I live in New Jersey! Strangely, what bothers me most about this story is what Mr. Hastert did after he left office - becoming a highly paid lobbyist and head of "Public Policy & Political Law Practice" at Dickstein Shapiro, whatever gas bag, deliberately nebulous title that is. Next to the article on Mr. Hastert, is an article about Bill Clinton, who, in 2014 charged $500,000 to appear at a charity event and be handed an award. Are you kidding me? Mr. Hastert should have stuck with his original job. As Thomas More said to Richard Rich, "Be a teacher, Richard. Be a teacher." The sentiment behind that was that Rich could not be trusted to remain a moral person when put in the path of temptation. Maybe Bill should have signed up for Habitat for Humanity in his post-election years. The corruption, the way these entitled people slobber at the public trough and take on meaningless jobs in order to turn themselves into billionaires, has gone far beyond Republican and Democrat, conservative or liberal. In my state, New Jersey, we are slowly discovering that Mr. Christie had not much else on his mind when he became governor than handing out patronage jobs to his friends. It's the responsibility of office that counts, the solid weight of moral behavior that any decent person carries on their shoulders. These people disgust me.
Paying someone a bunch of cash for "past misconducts". He used to be a teacher. Coincidence? I think not.
Watch this space. It's gonna be fun to watch this.
Watch this space. It's gonna be fun to watch this.
6
And he used to be the holiest of holys..he was a coach!!!
Having been born in Chicago 8 months before Eisenhower first became President, I am no longer surprised about the state of Illinois producing corrupt politicians from both major parties, although the Democrats in the Chicago area had a virtual lock on corruption for decades due to the Daley-machine voting system. The capital, Springfield, also produced a string of corrupt governors, one of whom liked hiding money in shoe boxes in his house, and another who thought Barack Obama's Senate seat could be sold to the highest bidder.
I'm certain more details will emerge about who Dennis Hastert was paying hush money to, and what it concerned. Eliot Spitzer's crimes came to light quickly after he was identified as Client-9 to the Feds looking into his prostitute-payment money transfers. I'd like to believe that most national-level politicians are honest people who want to do some good for ordinary citizens, but my beliefs are challenged on daily basis by what I read about the corrupt behaviors of so many of them. Is it politics itself, the people we elect, or the political system we have in place? Perhaps, it is the whole ball of wax. Can we melt it away, or is it a perpetual candle, meant to burn forever?
4
The recipient of Hastert's funds better hope and pray that s/he didn't extort those funds from Hastert. They could both end up in jail and paying large fines for this - Hastert for lying to the Feds and his blackmailer Assuming it was blackmail) for extortion.
1
Many of the commenters are assuming someone was blackmailing Hastert. I don't see anything here that indicates that. It could have been his idea to pay money, hoping for silence.
1
Some commenters are completely missing the real story: how likely is it that Hastert was paying someone off (in the millions) to conceal legal activity? So here we have a former Speaker obviously hiding a crime from his (ahem) gym coach days (hint: the statute of limitations on most kinds of assault would have run by now), and the comments focus on the reporting of large withdrawals? Yes, the Times is doing a good job of not insinuating what kind of "misconduct" was the basis of the blackmail, but do commenters really want to live in a world where the powerful can pay to hide their past crimes so long as you can withdraw large sums/launder money with impunity?
18
I take your point, but the fact that the injured party entered into a de facto contract with Hastert (pay me a bundle and nothing more will happen) makes me feel that he HAS atoned, to some extent, for whatever it is. Yes, you are right, blackmail is only an option for the wealthy. But it is also a crime they are uniquely vulnerable to, as well -- nobody is going to try to blackmail the local dogcatcher. Guy paid a ton of cash, which I bet hurt. And he had to go to a great amount of trouble about this, and lied to investigators, knowing that if something went wrong, it would end up on the front page of the NY Times. I agree my sympathies may change when the nature of the misconduct comes out, but for now, I feel kinda bad for him.
Interesting how Mr. Hastert is facing prison time and a quarter mill fine for "lying to the F.B.I." What a joke! I was once an innocent jogger in Janesville, Wisconsin and was "detained" and later interrogated by the F.B.I. for suspicion of bank robbery. Lo and behold the GOD at the F.B.I. told me he guaranteed me I would go to prison! The hammer of injustice came down and me hard! Because I trembled in my boots waiting for the shackles of prison and did nothing wrong, this accusation of lying to the F.B.I. And going to prison for it is a joke! WAKE UP AMERICA! Aren't y'all disgusted with the gong show self stroking of these clowns spouting out how they stand for justice and we should never lie to the F.B.I. That agent who took away my freedom for life is living high on the hog off of your tax dollars! I had to give up my U.S. Citizenship for this reason! I hope you understand!
2
Regardless of the bank transfers, if Mr. Hastert at some point felt he had to use cash and structure withdrawals to avoid reporting limits in order to pay somebody off in a regular basis, then Mr. Hastert should have also concluded that he could not possibly serve in the House or even work as a lobbyist.
If a secret so dark existed, and its power was so great as to have the Speaker violate the law and give millions away, this very same secret could have been used to exert undue influence in crafting laws, could have been employed to seek special favors from the Speaker, the third person in line of becoming President, and to gain access to state secrets at some point known to the former leader of the House, and to influence Washington with the help of Mr. Hastert, even after him no longer being Speaker, given his enormous influence and lobbyist powers.
Mr. Hastert, for love of country above self, should have confessed the truth, and exposed the whole affair. Alas, he placed his own ambition and embarrassment above his country. For this, above else, he should be truly ashamed.
If a secret so dark existed, and its power was so great as to have the Speaker violate the law and give millions away, this very same secret could have been used to exert undue influence in crafting laws, could have been employed to seek special favors from the Speaker, the third person in line of becoming President, and to gain access to state secrets at some point known to the former leader of the House, and to influence Washington with the help of Mr. Hastert, even after him no longer being Speaker, given his enormous influence and lobbyist powers.
Mr. Hastert, for love of country above self, should have confessed the truth, and exposed the whole affair. Alas, he placed his own ambition and embarrassment above his country. For this, above else, he should be truly ashamed.
19
I wonder if he had any security clearances when he was in Congress. This is EXACTLY the sort of thing the investigators are supposed to catch, no?
This could be just the tip of the iceberg.
Congratulations to the law enforcement branch of whatever organisation that exposed this.
Congratulations to the law enforcement branch of whatever organisation that exposed this.
5
Well, when it comes to crookedness and politicians, I would guess that there many, many more icebergs just lying in wait out there. Some we will learn about, some will remain hidden......
That "organization" would be your government.
That must have been some serious misconduct to warrant such serious long green.
11
To paraphrase a line from an old movie musical: "somewhere in his youth or childhood, he must have done something bad....."
This is beyond creepy. Why should the government track me down because I am doing whatever I want with my lawfully obtained money? If he had simply refused to answer their questions, they would not have been able to touch him.
7
Uh...the news reporting about this directly explain what was illegal about not reporting large cash money withdrawls. Did you not...you know...read the article, or...?
"Lawfuly obtained money." Did he invest in the same cattle futures as Mrs Clinton back in the day? Hard to see how a former high school teacher-cum-public servant manages to pile up $3.5 million. Then again, maybe not so much.
Its not what he did with it. Its that he didn't report it. Like it or not, there are tax rules. Everyone needs to follow them - especially a former Speaker of the House.
The reporter should have explained to readers the reason for "bank reporting requirements" and I hope follow-up articles will do that. My understanding is that the law was aimed at drug money launderers, not elected officials, but I many be wrong.
3
its also aimed at crooked politicians engaged in cash transactions.
And you know that politicians aren't laundering money? or bribing? or pandering? how do you knoe the difference, then there is the whole evading taxes.
Dollars to donuts this is another case of a conservative who turns out to be a hypocrite. I'm more interested in why you can't withdraw your own money from the bank without triggering a federal investigation. Big brother is out of control. We need to let the expiring provisions of the patriot act expire.
6
Perhaps we should let the relevant clauses still apply -- but only to those pols who voted for them in the first place.
I like letting poetic justice happen, don't you?
I like letting poetic justice happen, don't you?
You can withdraw any amount of money you wish but if you withdraw more than 10K the government is notified. I believe that this is done to hinder money laundering. When I recently put down 12,000 actual greenbacks as part of a purchase of a car, the dealership later notified me that they had notified the government that i had done this. No FBI agents showed up at my door I 'm happy to report.
Read the bio on Hastert by googling Wikipedia. This guy has been milking the system for years. A criminal through and through. What a disgrace. He'll be appropriately skewered and roasted soon enough. One can only imagine what is worth $3.5 million to NOT know about him.
6
More Republican "family values" on display. He joins the club along with Mark Sanford, John Ensign, and David Vitter.
10
I don't see that Hastert has done anything illegal, except under a technical definition of the term. If you're being blackmailed, aren't you the victim of a crime, not the perpetrator? Of course what he did might be actionable, but at the moment he doesn't seem like the villain of the piece.
6
Not if you are helping the perp evade taxes on that gift
1
His soon-to-be-exposed hypocrisy notwithstanding?
I'd like to know how a former teacher got enough money to pay his blackmailer millions. I didn't think teachers made that much. If they did, then being a teacher is underrated when you can make as much as a hedge fund manager!
Maybe more people should go into teaching if they want lucrative careers, instead of law, banking or medicine.
Maybe more people should go into teaching if they want lucrative careers, instead of law, banking or medicine.
A MODEST PROPOSAL . . .
Since pols are self selected they tend to share certain characteristics,
...only persons who wish to attain political positions should be culled and selected from the many jails and prisons in the U. S..
Why? It would provide them for what seems to be practice in what many pols will eventually have to face. This would provide them with a better understanding of prisons should they eventually arrive in the "slammer."
Especially for those pols in Illinois and Albany.
Since pols are self selected they tend to share certain characteristics,
...only persons who wish to attain political positions should be culled and selected from the many jails and prisons in the U. S..
Why? It would provide them for what seems to be practice in what many pols will eventually have to face. This would provide them with a better understanding of prisons should they eventually arrive in the "slammer."
Especially for those pols in Illinois and Albany.
2
Well, so much for The Hastert Rule which John Boehner has used religiously to obstruct and distruct . House of Cards?
5
Dennis Hastert joins the illustrious crew of Illinois politicians who end up imfamous.
How many Illinoisans recall former Secretary of state Paul Powell, who died inconveniently at the Mayo Clinic in 1970 with hundreds of thousands of dollars of mysterious cash stashed in hundreds of shoe boxes in his Springfield hotel suite?
Or How about Illinois State Auditor Orville Hodge, who embezzled millions to live the high life.
And of course Governors Blago, Ryan, Walker, Kerner all went to club Fed. And don't forget about former Ways and Means Committee Chair Danny Rostenkowski who ended up in the slammer. He even stoled fromt he US House Post Office. And Jesse Jackson Jr. is eating prison food as I write. ?
Even sadder are the comments from enablers who are saying Hastert did nothing wrong. They defend his lies to the FBI? Federal banking regulations are in place to guard against cartels and terrorists and other criminals from moving money like Hastert did. The regulations worked. But watch for people to defend him tomorrow on Fox.
This is going to get very interesting before it is over. We know how millions in cash left his bank account. I hope we learn how did it get in there in the first place? Remember Dear Coach Denny was anointed as Speaker by that great American Tom Delay.
How many Illinoisans recall former Secretary of state Paul Powell, who died inconveniently at the Mayo Clinic in 1970 with hundreds of thousands of dollars of mysterious cash stashed in hundreds of shoe boxes in his Springfield hotel suite?
Or How about Illinois State Auditor Orville Hodge, who embezzled millions to live the high life.
And of course Governors Blago, Ryan, Walker, Kerner all went to club Fed. And don't forget about former Ways and Means Committee Chair Danny Rostenkowski who ended up in the slammer. He even stoled fromt he US House Post Office. And Jesse Jackson Jr. is eating prison food as I write. ?
Even sadder are the comments from enablers who are saying Hastert did nothing wrong. They defend his lies to the FBI? Federal banking regulations are in place to guard against cartels and terrorists and other criminals from moving money like Hastert did. The regulations worked. But watch for people to defend him tomorrow on Fox.
This is going to get very interesting before it is over. We know how millions in cash left his bank account. I hope we learn how did it get in there in the first place? Remember Dear Coach Denny was anointed as Speaker by that great American Tom Delay.
8
Obviously something unspeakable.
4
There's obviously a lot more to this and it's all going to come out as it always does. And I suspect it's fairly heinous. $3.5 million is a lot of tin to cover up a minor "indiscretion." The media are going to have a field day. What is interesting as you scroll down the comments here is the willingness of some commenters, most of whom are obviously Republicans, to dismiss these charges as governmental over reach and even to call into question the need for these laws in an age of widespread organized crime, con artists and terrorism. Quite extraordinary really.
110
I disagree - if he did something truly illegal then he should be prosecuted for that - not for taking money out of his own bank account. This is just another example whereby the U.S. Government with all the absurd laws that exist can accuse anyone of anything at any time. If this doesn't work I'm sure they can get him for "civil rights violations" or something else....
2
Why is wanting to withdraw more than $10,000 in cash without having to tell the government about it extraordinary to you? I am a liberal Democrat, incidentally, and like many of my ilk I am against government intrusion into our lives. I also favor homosexual marriage, abortion and many other things that Republicans don't like. I am also against people who label people based on their viewpoint on one subject such as this one.
Karma? What goes around comes around?
25
A move that wrestling coaches teach!
Let's look at some dots.
He has paid a lot of money to protect his reputation.
He is probably past any statute of limitations for shady dealings in office.
He was a high school wrestlingl coach.
He was soft on dealing with Foley.
Connecting them lead me to one place.
He has paid a lot of money to protect his reputation.
He is probably past any statute of limitations for shady dealings in office.
He was a high school wrestlingl coach.
He was soft on dealing with Foley.
Connecting them lead me to one place.
54
spot on
gotta tell you that makes sense to me
2
Have to agree with you on the nature of this affair. We'll know for certain fairly soon, I think.
1
Time to repeal the "structuring" laws. Wow. Seems like there is a shortage of real crime for the FBI to handle. Just wow.
11
@ CJ
No need to worry about organized crime, con artists like Bernie Madoff, or terrorist organizations then? Hastert has committed "real" crimes both in this instance and possibly in the past. He'd hardly be paying out $3.5 million for skipping parking tickets.
No need to worry about organized crime, con artists like Bernie Madoff, or terrorist organizations then? Hastert has committed "real" crimes both in this instance and possibly in the past. He'd hardly be paying out $3.5 million for skipping parking tickets.
40
This is a real crime. It may not be a violent crime, and the person charged isn't a black man wearing a hoodie, but it's still a crime - one that seems to be covering a greater "misconduct."
1
The purpose of the "structuring" law is to detect money laundering by those engaged in illegal activities, such as drug dealing for example. Note that the law only applies to cash transactions.
1
My thoughts? I am just happy as a drunk we will have ONE less former Congressman turned big time lobbyist in Washington! He was once the poster boy for the GOP... and "Another one hits the dust..."!
69
Well when you rid the kitchen of one roach you know there are more lurking in the background.
1
Who cares what he did. Almost all politicians are less than honest. Just serving as a lobbyist after serving in Congress demonstrates how corrupt the revolving door system is. I would be disappointed if Bernie were shown to be corrupt. So far he is the only member of Congress with whom I feel comfortable.
33
I care what he did.
There is a difference between being "less than honest" and making an illegal $3.5 million payment. To conflate the two is like saying there's no difference between a dog house and the 828 m tall Burj Khalifa building in Dubai, because both of them have height.
There is a difference between being "less than honest" and making an illegal $3.5 million payment. To conflate the two is like saying there's no difference between a dog house and the 828 m tall Burj Khalifa building in Dubai, because both of them have height.
1
Warren?
Should you happen to read this, and care to reply, I wonder what concerns you have with Elizabeth Warren?
I don't think this should be prosecuted as a crime unless the underlying conduct was a serious crime that can not be prosecuted. Otherwise, this looks like prosecutorial overreach.
20
Lying to the FBI is a crime. Not reporting payments to the IRS is also a crime.
He lied to the FBI. Lying to a federal agent during an investigation has always been illegal. It has been illegal before Loretta Lynch or Eric Holder became attorney general.
Here's a hint. Do an online search using the phrase "is it illegal to lie to a federal agent?" Or ask any criminal attorney in Chapel Hill.
Here's a hint. Do an online search using the phrase "is it illegal to lie to a federal agent?" Or ask any criminal attorney in Chapel Hill.
1
Really? The law is the law. It applies to you and me, so why not Hastert?
1
It scares me how cynical and apathetic many of the commenters here are about corruption in government.
If Hastert did something revolting enough to cost himself millions, personally, in blackmail payments, I can only imagine that he was willing to use his power and influence — access to other people's money — to satisfy other corrupt concerns during the course of his political career.
Blackmail is a crime; all of the parties involved in this case should be in trouble for this.
He entered Congress in 1987 with a net worth of no more than $270,000 and then exited worth somewhere between $4 million and $17 million, according to congressional disclosure documents.
Doesn't that worry you?
We need leaders who are willing to live up to highest personal standards of duty, service and honor ... who know what it means to conduct their lives with simple, common decency.
If Hastert did something revolting enough to cost himself millions, personally, in blackmail payments, I can only imagine that he was willing to use his power and influence — access to other people's money — to satisfy other corrupt concerns during the course of his political career.
Blackmail is a crime; all of the parties involved in this case should be in trouble for this.
He entered Congress in 1987 with a net worth of no more than $270,000 and then exited worth somewhere between $4 million and $17 million, according to congressional disclosure documents.
Doesn't that worry you?
We need leaders who are willing to live up to highest personal standards of duty, service and honor ... who know what it means to conduct their lives with simple, common decency.
159
We have a culture of corruption and cheating and I see no prospect for change.
1
Ha Ha! An other example of the "real world" most people know nothing of.
If in fact he engaged in illegal activities in accumulating his fortune, then certainly he should be prosecuted, even made an example of, for those crimes. But he is being prosecuted for lying to the liars, and for not filing the right paperwork when withdrawing his own money.
It is very easy, by the way, to run afoul of the money laundering laws, as any expat or person with a foreign bank account can tell you. Many of us have accounts abroad so we can avoid the usurious charges imposed by US banks and credit cards for foreign transactions. But if you have 100 Euros in a bank somewhere and fail to report it every year, then it is a felony and you can go to jail. Never mind the corporations parking their profits in tax havens: you and I are small fish, and the Government is just waiting for us to slip up.
It is very easy, by the way, to run afoul of the money laundering laws, as any expat or person with a foreign bank account can tell you. Many of us have accounts abroad so we can avoid the usurious charges imposed by US banks and credit cards for foreign transactions. But if you have 100 Euros in a bank somewhere and fail to report it every year, then it is a felony and you can go to jail. Never mind the corporations parking their profits in tax havens: you and I are small fish, and the Government is just waiting for us to slip up.
So he has been crooked forever.
Lying to the FBI is a major crime.
Lying to the FBI is a major crime.
24
Lying to the FBI should not be a crime at all-- it violates the 5th Amendment. The FBI can lie to you but you can't lie to the FBI-- so says Big Brother.
How do you go from HS teacher and coach to being a multi millionaire? You think being a congressman had something to do with it?
104
I am positive there is a lot of money made from deals with Companies who pollute our rivers and lands, water and air. Pharmaceuticals and Insurance companies, realtors and land manipulators want their ideas pushed through. Americans have become too apathetic. Most know little about politics and behind the scenes of the political machine. Rather they look if they are sympathetic looking, or tough, or against or for something that has little to do with their own well being.
To tolerate crooks who make major decisions affecting our lives, our children's and grandchildren's lives so they can become multimillionaires. To tolerate congressional waste of time on issues that do not affect the average working class American, with the working class TAX dollars is the downfall of our middle and working class.
To tolerate crooks who make major decisions affecting our lives, our children's and grandchildren's lives so they can become multimillionaires. To tolerate congressional waste of time on issues that do not affect the average working class American, with the working class TAX dollars is the downfall of our middle and working class.
Do you think that Bill and Hillary Clinton's earnings of over $100 million dollars after Bill left office had something to do with him being President since they were "Dead Broke" to start?
"How do you go from HS teacher and coach to being a multi millionaire?"
What is wrong for being a HS teacher? Can't they be millionaires in an honest way?
What is wrong for being a HS teacher? Can't they be millionaires in an honest way?
So much for due diligence and vetting. I can imagine a scenario in which "they" did know, helped out here and there, and ran him like a toy train.
19
Maybe it will shed some light on the nasty Hastert Rule, too. (or at least we can get rid of it!)
31
Thanks, Rebecca, yes, that nasty Hastert Rule created and implemented by the then Speaker is a most abominable and undemocratic political squeeze play if I ever saw one. It completely ignored the other party and only acknowledged Republican members to the hilt. Good riddance to both, this ex Speaker and his shady, even crooked, rule.
In Miami we have a venerable company called Crook & Crook. It's actually a fishing and marine supply retailer. But given the dwindled fish "stocks" (in quotes as the fish may not know they're inventory), perhaps the company can diversify to represent a much richer population of fishy interests.
3
Obviously, he was being blackmailed and the feds should have taken that in account. People do a lot of stupid things when they are in fear.
6
Actually that is the problem. People who are being blackmailed are compromised and do alot of things, say like try to sway the government or just head on down the road corrupting others. And then there is tax evasion on a massive scale. 10,000 is the max "gift" a year and he knew it as did it the poor hapless (and richer) "victim" and he was willing.
And stupid people do REALLY stupid things, like pay blackmail.
He must have done something pretty bad to be willing to pay millions to cover it up.
Past misconduct is the story not the payments to conceal the misconduct. So the question is, what was the past misconduct? The truth will come out. Will see.
24
Agree. How long will it take to identify Individual A. Yorkville is no place to hide. Specially for a new born millionaire blackmailer.
I am not a lawyer and I don't know any criminal law.
What are the statute[s] of limitations for the various types of offenses [for which Hastert is paying hush money to cover up] that people are speculating that Hastert may have committed.
Hastert was a wrestling coach many years ago.
The indictment refers to person A [to whom the money was paid] as a person Hastert has known for most of A's life.
This suggests the payment was for something other than an offense committed while Hastert was a wrestling coach.
A wild speculation on my part.
I have no factual basis for this speculation.
Could he have fathered a child to whom he is now paying money for his /her education and /or possible medical expenses.
What are the statute[s] of limitations for the various types of offenses [for which Hastert is paying hush money to cover up] that people are speculating that Hastert may have committed.
Hastert was a wrestling coach many years ago.
The indictment refers to person A [to whom the money was paid] as a person Hastert has known for most of A's life.
This suggests the payment was for something other than an offense committed while Hastert was a wrestling coach.
A wild speculation on my part.
I have no factual basis for this speculation.
Could he have fathered a child to whom he is now paying money for his /her education and /or possible medical expenses.
9
I think you are right. As we all know, kids can be expensive. This one is.
6
It doesn't have to be legally prosecutable. The issue now is his behavior at the
1
I doubt that it's an out-of-wedlock child that he's paying for. This looks like hush money for something that would really humiliate Hastert if it became public. Whether the statute of limitations has run its course or not is irrelevant; the embarrassment of whatever Hastert did is what's got him paying all this money. There'd be no point in risking federal charges over a child in need of medical care. Nope, this is something that Hastert would do almost anything to keep out of the public eye.
3
What's the crime here? This hidden individual and Hastert seemed to have arrived at a mutual agreement so what business is it of the government or us? If it were blackmail, then Hastert could have filed a police report. Looks like another waste of taxpayer money by overzealous and starry-eyed federal prosecutors looking out for their own fame and fortune.
34
The crimes are described in the first sentence of the article. The first sentence!
23
The crime here: 1) He was charged of lying to the FBI during a criminal investigation. 2) He was charged with circumventing federal requirements for bank withdrawals.
15
Couldn't agree more, and I am a Democrat voter most of the time. The $10,000 threshold for reporting cash bank withdrawals was put into effect decades ago ostensibly to combat drug traffic money laundering. It punished the law abiding super majority of us for the drug trafficking acts of a few by making us file a report when withdrawing $10,000 or more, something that I routinely did as a successful small business person wanting to pay in cash and accumulate cash because I distrust the banking system and government. Shortly after the law was passed the IRS started requiring the report if your withdrawal was "near" $10,000 such as $9,500 even though the law states $10,000. When I objected, my banker told me that the government put so much pressure on the bank to get the written reports from people withdrawing funds in cash that the bank was instructing tellers to require the form for as little as $9,000 so "bank examiners wouldn't fine the bank". To circumvent this, I started going around to different branches and withdrawing $5,000 to $7,000 in cash several times a month. The $10,000 law is a bad law originally passed to supposedly catch drug money launderers, that the government has been using to monitor all of us law abiding citizens who have the means and the desire to accumulate cash. This has been and continues to be one more government "big brother is watching" intrusion. If you think you are free in the U.S.A., you are mistaken.
4
From a Chicago Tribune article:
"While details of the relationship and Hastert's alleged wrongdoing were not provided, the indictment clearly indicated that Hastert's early career at Yorkville High School was material to the charges, Jeffrey Cramer, a former federal prosecutor, told the Tribune.
"The feds don't put superfluous facts in an indictment," said Cramer, who is head of the Chicago division of the private security company Kroll. "If it's in there, it's relevant."
"While details of the relationship and Hastert's alleged wrongdoing were not provided, the indictment clearly indicated that Hastert's early career at Yorkville High School was material to the charges, Jeffrey Cramer, a former federal prosecutor, told the Tribune.
"The feds don't put superfluous facts in an indictment," said Cramer, who is head of the Chicago division of the private security company Kroll. "If it's in there, it's relevant."
62
From the NPR news story about this case.
http://wamc.org/post/former-house-speaker-j-dennis-hastert-indicted-fede...
The indictment says that Hastert has known individual A for most of that individual's life. The indictment also notes that prior to his political career, Hastert worked as a high school teacher and wrestling coach in Yorkville, Ill., which is west of Chicago. Whether there's a connection to that position is not stated in the indictment.
http://wamc.org/post/former-house-speaker-j-dennis-hastert-indicted-fede...
The indictment says that Hastert has known individual A for most of that individual's life. The indictment also notes that prior to his political career, Hastert worked as a high school teacher and wrestling coach in Yorkville, Ill., which is west of Chicago. Whether there's a connection to that position is not stated in the indictment.
6
"Mr. DeLay recognized that he himself was too polarizing for the job."
Nonsense. He recognized his utility as a bagman for the GOP. He knew in great detail who to touch, and for how much. He delivered favorable legislation in return. Serving as speaker would have hampered him in his true vocation.
Nonsense. He recognized his utility as a bagman for the GOP. He knew in great detail who to touch, and for how much. He delivered favorable legislation in return. Serving as speaker would have hampered him in his true vocation.
99
If he weren't a former Speaker would he still be being charged?
10
If he weren't a Democrat, would he still have committed a crime?
1
More importantly, he is a Republican. Great sport to kick him around and maybe drag in a few more Republicans. A slow roll of the real charges and background should keep this story in the news for a long time. Choice and juicy. Yawn.
Yes, you just might not have heard about, that's all.
1
if the law says that you have to report all transfers greater than ten thousand dollars, it beats me why it is a crime to organize your affairs so that your transfers are all less than ten thousand dollars each. If the Congress wants to change the law to a lower amount (or a different sum over a fixed period), let it try. Why should people have to guess what the law is? will it be a crime soon to possess cash?
27
In that law or laws, there are also restrictions on so-called structured transactions that is, organizing cash transfers in a way specifically to circumvent the $10,000 reporting requirements.
9
It's called 'structuring' your withdrawals and deposits to purposefully avoid detection. That's illegal although I agree that it's unreasonable. They also caught Spitzer doing that.
3
No, it's a crime to pay someone without an accounting so that the appropriate amount of taxes can be levied.
2
This is boiler plate white collar crime. I prosecuted it for 20 years. It's complicated because white collar crime is complicated. I find it alarming how many state definitive views even though they clearly don't have a clue. When it comes to particle physics, most folks will admit they don't get it. But they know just how the government should handle bank fraud, Wall Street fraud, and campaign finance fraud. Common sense only gets you so far when it comes to particle physics and much the same is true about white collar crime.
109
Knowing the rationale for a crime or the process for charging someone for criminal activity should not be "particle physics". If normal people cannot understand the criminal system and its processes cannot be clearly explained, then there is something wrong. If you are involved with "white collar crime" then you also know that a prosecutor can indict a ham sandwich.
11
S0 what is the crime Hastert committed, smarty pants?
Why can't an individual who presumably has paid taxes on his money, do with it what he wishes? This is why the governments of the world can hardly wait for the clueless youth to embrace their cellphones as the only way to make payments. They will be able to track everything you do. If I want to give away cash, I should be able to do that. If I want to take it out back and burn it, I should be able to do that. Where is the crime here?
This is Serious.A former Republican Speaker of the House that was/is,being blackmailed for millions of dollars must be investigated.Any 'association with current republican office holders must also be 'consequential,election or not...
42
What about Dems?
1
Why does he need to be investigated? He's been away from power for almost a decade. He's paying someone he's known all his adult life, and not some Chinese spy. It's a private matter that the Feds have taken it up in their typical, overreaching style. The government should not be in the business of harassing someone who is not a foreign agent or drug dealer, simply because he's making cash withdrawals of his own money from a bank.
1
It sounds like Hastert has done some sleazy things. But the laws governing financial transactions reporting were not created to catch this kind of activity, so why should they be invoked here?
Let the IRS go after him for evading gift tax limits - fine. Go after the recipient for blackmail - fine - and ask the blackmailer what Hastert did to make himself so vulnerable. Ask Hastert where he amassed so much money as a public servant. But don't go after him by mis-applying laws designed to thwart money laundering and terrorism.
Let the IRS go after him for evading gift tax limits - fine. Go after the recipient for blackmail - fine - and ask the blackmailer what Hastert did to make himself so vulnerable. Ask Hastert where he amassed so much money as a public servant. But don't go after him by mis-applying laws designed to thwart money laundering and terrorism.
36
Didn't they finally nail Al Capone, never mind the dead bodies, on tax evasion?
2
Al Capone went to prison for tax evasion. If you are going after a criminal, you use evidence that provides clearest avenue of prosecution. When the reason for these payments eventually comes out - and it will - you may be singing another tune.
2
Did you write the laws? I don't think so. You pose an unsupported strawman argument.
If Hastert had told FBI agents the truth when they asked him what the bank withdrawals were for, what law would he have broken? Is it illegal to pay a blackmailer, or to pay restitution privately if you agree you have abused someone? This may be a serious blow to his reputation, but legally, it seems trivial.
36
I HATE Hastert and every other lying hypocrite Republican (sorry, that's redundant, lol). But I agree, if you have wronged someone and agree to compensate them privately for it, I see no crime in that.
Probably the law that says you can't do what he'd admit to if he had told the truth.
His 'crime' was lying to the feds when questioned about the money transfers. The money transfers also violated bank reporting requirements.
If he had simply paid his blackmailer by check, nobody would have been the wiser- but it would leave a trail. The recipient of the money was- probably- violating a few criminal and tax reporting laws.
If he had simply paid his blackmailer by check, nobody would have been the wiser- but it would leave a trail. The recipient of the money was- probably- violating a few criminal and tax reporting laws.
Another crooked Republican, although I thought Hastert an upright guy. Curious to hear the whole story.
Who would imagine an indictment? Not a positive development for the Conservatives.
Who would imagine an indictment? Not a positive development for the Conservatives.
27
Ah, but they've got salvation by faith. It's all good.
14
Do you include the two married politicians that we hear every day a new story about as being crooked?
2
Hardly a republican or democrat issue. I could fill a page with democrats who have been indicted and convicted of crimes in the last fifty years, only to be matched by a republican list. If there is a political issue it centers on why it appears so many politicians seem corrupt. I say seem as I am not aware if a study compared politicians to other professions. Can't we leave the particism out of anything.
Oh what a tangled web we weave that follows us all our lives and all for naught because now the weaving comes to an end and the truth will be revealed to the world. Does another former politician and current lobbyist remain in prison for the rest of his days for something personally stupid or can he wiggle out somehow and remain free. We all wait with bated breath .
7
Hastert should have known better. He could have simply told the FBI that he was paying hush money and to stay out of it. Or better yet, he could have told them to step off. There's nothing illegal about either of those two options.
21
Wow. Maybe the cover-up is not worse than the crime in this case.
33
Sad commentary on the speaker. Gives politics a blacker eye. The funny part is he feels unsafe with the "GOP no need to regulate" banking system. Maybe not so funny.
36
"Gives Politics A Black Eye"
I'm still laughing at that one.
I'm still laughing at that one.
6
"A blacker eye for politics" is not possible. At least during our lifetimes.......
If Hastert was a indeed being blackmailed- and that seems a reasonable assumption- why isn't his blackmailer under indictment?
19
Not hard to figure out the dark secret he was paying to be kept. As to all those here wondering how he came by the money, well he's been a very high profile lobbyist since leaving congress and no doubt earns multiple millions of dollars a year doing it. House speakers, you know, take calls from former speakers and there ain't that many of them.
21
This case illustrates why today's politicians need the revolving door. It's getting more and more expensive to shut people up. I just hope Hastert wasn't paying FIFA.
14
It's always the coverup. But now I wonder what he was covering up?
"Misconduct" is intriguing; this is beginning to be a Soap Opera.
What shoe will fall next?
Stay tuned.
"Misconduct" is intriguing; this is beginning to be a Soap Opera.
What shoe will fall next?
Stay tuned.
9
So, don't pay the blackmail and your secret will be revealed. Or pay the blackmail and the feds will put you in prison.
Those aren't great choices.
Those aren't great choices.
16
Or take actions for which you can be blackmailed.
Third option -- if you are in a leadership role, don't do stuff that you would not want to see on the front page of the paper.
His crime was lying to the FBI and withdrawing money in ways that were illegal.
1
Thought Congressmen make a good living including permanent free medical care. Hard to understand.
3
It seems to me once I have money in the bank it is nobody's business how many bills I pick up on my morning walk to the bank. Let the FBI or IRS worry about how I got the money, not how I spend it.
The recipient of the money would have had some explaining to do when he or she deposits a steady flow of large amounts which would probably cause him or her (and a lot of other people with hard to explain cash) to stash it in the mattress which would create a huge problem for the banks, such as no money!
And therein lies the problem, the deck is stacked, not for the taxpayers and the IRS, not for the FBI and fighting crime but for Financial Institutions to have and to hold your money and when you want some of it the FBI comes to ask WHY and God help you if you lie
The recipient of the money would have had some explaining to do when he or she deposits a steady flow of large amounts which would probably cause him or her (and a lot of other people with hard to explain cash) to stash it in the mattress which would create a huge problem for the banks, such as no money!
And therein lies the problem, the deck is stacked, not for the taxpayers and the IRS, not for the FBI and fighting crime but for Financial Institutions to have and to hold your money and when you want some of it the FBI comes to ask WHY and God help you if you lie
15
Well, let me explain this...if you are taking your money and giving it tax free above that "gift" limit, to someone so that they walk away tax free with that pile for what ever services rendered, so to speak, that is a crime.
Wow, I didn't realize that being a teacher and wrestling coach paid so well that one could afford multimillion dollar payouts to someone else.
25
"It said he was structuring the cash withdrawals in increments designed to avoid bank reporting requirements."
The requirements are that withdrawals above 10k need to be reported, right? So if you make lots of withdrawals under that amount, it is against the law? And not just against the law, but big-time against the law because you can go to prison for five years? I get the Al Capone thing, of charging someone bad with an offense not related to his major misdeeds (in Al Capone's case, income tax instead of murder and rackateering). But in the end, the approach renders justice arbitrary. Unless the U.S. government is going to go after everyone who makes lots of withdrawals under $10k (*), the law is no longer something written but based on the appreciation of federal prosecutors. In the end if you didn't smile at federal prosecutors, or didn't "cooperate" with them, then you can be charged with an offense that puts you in jail for five years. I know lawyers like this approach, because it makes them pivotal to the system. So do prosecutors, because it makes them very important. But for anyone who isn't a lawyer, it's not tops.
(*) That's an "if" there people. If they really do go after everyone who makes lots of withdrawals under $10k, then I'm aghast for another reason, but the rest of the argument doesn't work *in this case*.
The requirements are that withdrawals above 10k need to be reported, right? So if you make lots of withdrawals under that amount, it is against the law? And not just against the law, but big-time against the law because you can go to prison for five years? I get the Al Capone thing, of charging someone bad with an offense not related to his major misdeeds (in Al Capone's case, income tax instead of murder and rackateering). But in the end, the approach renders justice arbitrary. Unless the U.S. government is going to go after everyone who makes lots of withdrawals under $10k (*), the law is no longer something written but based on the appreciation of federal prosecutors. In the end if you didn't smile at federal prosecutors, or didn't "cooperate" with them, then you can be charged with an offense that puts you in jail for five years. I know lawyers like this approach, because it makes them pivotal to the system. So do prosecutors, because it makes them very important. But for anyone who isn't a lawyer, it's not tops.
(*) That's an "if" there people. If they really do go after everyone who makes lots of withdrawals under $10k, then I'm aghast for another reason, but the rest of the argument doesn't work *in this case*.
14
It's not hard to guess what caused Denny Hastert to be blackmailed. If his real or purported victim had reason to complain of his actions, which seems likely, given the amounts paid out, he or she should either have gone to the police or sued him. I hope that if Hastert goes down for what seems like the minor crime of concealing his actions, the other party is also prosecuted, for the far more serious crime of blackmail.
13
" I hope that if Hastert goes down for what seems like the minor crime of concealing his actions,..."
Er, what about his original "misconduct"? Are you saying that you're OK with whatever it was, although you clearly don't know?
Er, what about his original "misconduct"? Are you saying that you're OK with whatever it was, although you clearly don't know?
Hastert goes after Clinton with unrelenting zeal.
Hastert then takes the fall many years later.
Better than Shakespeare.
Hastert then takes the fall many years later.
Better than Shakespeare.
81
Sure, but the other irony is all the Democrats on this site wondering out loud how he was able to amass that type of money. And then you look at the Clintons who make 30 million in the last 1 year and apparently it doesnt matter.
Taking your money that you earned out of the bank is now a crime that makes headline news. If whatever Hastert did to this person that he needs to pay huge money to--to me thats how it should work. He did what he did. And the actual victim gets paid to their satisfaction. Government shouldnt profit. The victim should --and it shouldnt be criminal to withdraw your own money from a bank account.
Taking your money that you earned out of the bank is now a crime that makes headline news. If whatever Hastert did to this person that he needs to pay huge money to--to me thats how it should work. He did what he did. And the actual victim gets paid to their satisfaction. Government shouldnt profit. The victim should --and it shouldnt be criminal to withdraw your own money from a bank account.
Yep, it's called hypocrisy. And it's the calling card of Rethugs everywhere. At this point, hypocrite is just a synonym for Republican. What voters STILL do not get is that hypocrites are THE DREGS of this earth. STOP voting for them, people!!!!!
Remember Dennis' sincerely teary eyed walk to the Senate Chamber, I do...what an awesome irony
This is not a surprise after the controversy concerning alleged Turkish payoffs while in congress and the Prairie Parkway travesty. Presuming for a moment all that was true, it also would not be a surprise that he felt empowered by the lack of anything coming of it. But, I'm not going to presume he is guilty of any of it because I really don't know, but, it's a lot of accusations for one person - even a congressperson. On the other hand, it reminds me of that Mark Twain line - "It could probably be shown by facts and figures that there is no distinctly native American criminal class except Congress."
21
By any measure ... even by Illinois standards and I include Chicago ... this is weird. We can talk about who Denny Hastert once was and where he came from, but Speaker Hastert was once one of the most powerful and influential politicians not just in Illinois, but Washington as well. And there can be no doubt that his power, influence and in particular, his connections to other powerful people made him a fearsome force and money-making machine as a lobbyist DC. I for one thought that no one could mess with Denny ... at least not for long.
What I would like to know ... is just how did Denny get himself into a position where someone from his home town of Yorkville, IL could extract $1.7 million from him in cash over four years. And why beginning in 2010? Denny's been by in large out of town and out of the state since his election to the House in 1987. Who wants to hang around Yorkville when you are living large in DC? Not Denny that's for sure.
And yet here we are ... has one of the mighty fallen? And to what and whom and for what reason?
What I would like to know ... is just how did Denny get himself into a position where someone from his home town of Yorkville, IL could extract $1.7 million from him in cash over four years. And why beginning in 2010? Denny's been by in large out of town and out of the state since his election to the House in 1987. Who wants to hang around Yorkville when you are living large in DC? Not Denny that's for sure.
And yet here we are ... has one of the mighty fallen? And to what and whom and for what reason?
26
I couldn't care less about Hastert, but is it somehow illegal to withdraw your own money from your bank account?
What right does the govt. have to question anyone as to how one spends money?
Sure, it's a crime to lie to federal agents, but why the questioning to begin with? Talk about govt. generated crime!
What right does the govt. have to question anyone as to how one spends money?
Sure, it's a crime to lie to federal agents, but why the questioning to begin with? Talk about govt. generated crime!
14
I am also wondering why it is illegal to take one's own money (that's how I read the story) from the bank. Also, why assume Hastert was blackmailed? Maybe he and the injured party agreed to the payments and to settle privately.
My other observation is $1.7M is a lot of cash to have on hand or available over a relatively short period of time. Is this the case for all congressmen?
My other observation is $1.7M is a lot of cash to have on hand or available over a relatively short period of time. Is this the case for all congressmen?
It's funny they all go into Congress poor and come out rich.
64
I dunno......maybe he became wealthy by being a wrestling coach.
He was a speaker of the House of Representatives, and now make a living through lobbying in Washington. That does not help with clean politics.
18
Hastert is the pious guy who dedicated a great deal of his time as a representative and eventually as Speaker of the House, preventing American women from having legal abortion on moral grounds. Yet he did not deserve any moral high ground. A person who lives in a glass house should not throw stones. Hastert's morals clearly don't apply to his own life. What a hypocrite.
117
And elephant lover--if you ever take out money from your own bank account, and the Feds arrest you for taking out money--please dont be a hypocrite and complain how innocent it is.
When i read he was indicted I actually thought it was for something real.
But -nope this government now makes it a criime to withdraw money. And the democrats on this thread dont even bother to stop and consider how ridiculous the charges are-- because there seems to be one rule-if its Republicans arrested its time to point out hypocrisy. If its Democrats then its some right wing conspiracy. haha.
When i read he was indicted I actually thought it was for something real.
But -nope this government now makes it a criime to withdraw money. And the democrats on this thread dont even bother to stop and consider how ridiculous the charges are-- because there seems to be one rule-if its Republicans arrested its time to point out hypocrisy. If its Democrats then its some right wing conspiracy. haha.
Never liked him or his party one bit, and may be I am naive, but where's the crime here? Isn't it his money? What ever misconduct it was, and I am sure it probably was pretty bad, it sure seems like the victim and the perp seems to have come to a mutually beneficial agreement. Unless there's more to this story.
15
As another writer pointed out, he was 2nd in line to the Presidency for a time. Prior to that, he evidently did something that left him open to some serious blackmailing.
The crime he is currently suspected of is that of purposely moving large sums of money around in ways that are very typical of drug dealers, money launderers, and others engaged in organized crime; and that he did so in such a way that the transactions could go under the radar of reporting requirements that are designed to reveal those aforementioned types of malfeasance. What he did with the money is apparently another question.
The crime he is currently suspected of is that of purposely moving large sums of money around in ways that are very typical of drug dealers, money launderers, and others engaged in organized crime; and that he did so in such a way that the transactions could go under the radar of reporting requirements that are designed to reveal those aforementioned types of malfeasance. What he did with the money is apparently another question.
These are the times that try men's souls...and the crooks in our political system. This sore has been festering for a long, long time and now it's infection is becoming more apparent. As far as I'm concerned they should all go down to the legal system. They are all guilty of misusing their offices to their own benefit.
25
Just so we're clear. The guy who was second in line to the presidency after the VP, was vulnerable to blackmail, and the defense is attacking the rule on payment reporting?
We dodged a bullet.
We dodged a bullet.
83
But Hastert didn't.
Nothing compared to the blackmail attempts against Bill Clinton while he was president (calls with Monica were intercepted by foreign governments)---and the blackmail potential if he becomes 'first spouse.'
"The guy who was second in line to the presidency"
Sarah Palin was another.
Sarah Palin was another.
Will it be possible to differentiate between two people making a mutually agreeable deal where one party feels injured and asks the other party to privately compensate them for the injury, which is mutually agreed, and an extortionate act where the aggrieved party threatens to go to the police unless the other party pays blackmail money? If not, is there any crime here, as long as the money was Hastert's to spend and there was no promise of compensation through abuse of public office or any other criminal misconduct?
11
Firstly, if the law was violated, then it matters not that the victim is happy to be compensated privately. The law is the law. But even if Mr. Hastert had presumably entered into an enforceable contract, without criminal activity, yet embarrassing (as no contract involving criminal activity can be defended under any law) then Mr. Hastert had to do the right thing, which is to report the transfers as gifts, or report them in form 1099-MISC, to do his part, and to have the receiving party declare the income.
Why? Because otherwise Mr. Hastert was enabling and being part in a tax evasion scheme. And we certainly would not want wealthy legislators flouting the taxes that everybody else that receives income has to pay. If a doctor has to pay taxes, and a contractor has to pay taxes, so should the recipient of Mr. Hastert's largesse.
Why? Because otherwise Mr. Hastert was enabling and being part in a tax evasion scheme. And we certainly would not want wealthy legislators flouting the taxes that everybody else that receives income has to pay. If a doctor has to pay taxes, and a contractor has to pay taxes, so should the recipient of Mr. Hastert's largesse.
One gets caught, hundreds more (current and previous) have not and may never get caught. Mr. Hastert is this year's token politician given up fro sacrifice as others go about their own scandalous ways. If the Justice Department really had intestinal fortitude, they could reel in the entire Us Congress, K Street, the Supreme Court and the White House. In other words, there would be no one left to govern.
So, Mr. Hastert pack your bags for a trip to a country club prison and meet others who got "caught". While you serve your prison term, hundreds of career politicians will be serving themselves at taxpayer expense and by their wealthy benefactors.
So, Mr. Hastert pack your bags for a trip to a country club prison and meet others who got "caught". While you serve your prison term, hundreds of career politicians will be serving themselves at taxpayer expense and by their wealthy benefactors.
37
Just be sure none of you go out and shoplift from Wal-Mart. And don't steal any lawnmowers. If you are going to commit a crime, do it big. Petty crimes will get you sent to a regular prison. Especially if you are poor and have pigmented skin.
While I agree with the general premise of your statement, I don't believe Hastert is going to serve any time because, so far, I don't think he has committed a crime.
I would never vote for any Republican for dog catcher, but this indictment of Speaker Hastert seems like one of those drummed up nothing burgers the Feds sometimes pull out of thin air. After reading this article I'm still not at all clear what he is supposed to have done wrong. Is it a crime to "evade" the reporting requirements by actually withdrawing less than $10,000.00? Maybe the confusion arises because it has not been disclosed why Hastert was making these payments. Amazingly enough, my sympathies lie with Hastert as of now. Federal criminal law is an elastic ball of ambiguity which can make anyone guilty of something if they try hard enough. I've always thought many federal criminal laws were unconstitutionally vague, but the legal establishment disagrees.
97
It is indeed a serious crime.
A respectable businessman received $12,000 cash from a debtor (perfectly clean money). When he tried to deposit it, the bank teller said she'd have to do a lot of paperwork and he'd have to wait. When he looked at his watch and grumbled politely, she suggested he put $9,000 in today, and the other $3,000 tomorrow: that wouldn't require any paperwork. So he did.
Six months later, his home was invaded by federal police, searched, his family terrified. He was charged and convicted of the crime of "structuring" the deposit to avoid the paperwork, and did over a year in federal prison before his new lawyer, who told me the story, got him out.
My fingers are crossed that Mr. Hassert's fingerprints are all over the "structuring" law. May he spend five years pondering his fine legislative work, protecting the public from people like that businessman.
The chickens of anti-crime hysteria are coming home to roost, at last!
A respectable businessman received $12,000 cash from a debtor (perfectly clean money). When he tried to deposit it, the bank teller said she'd have to do a lot of paperwork and he'd have to wait. When he looked at his watch and grumbled politely, she suggested he put $9,000 in today, and the other $3,000 tomorrow: that wouldn't require any paperwork. So he did.
Six months later, his home was invaded by federal police, searched, his family terrified. He was charged and convicted of the crime of "structuring" the deposit to avoid the paperwork, and did over a year in federal prison before his new lawyer, who told me the story, got him out.
My fingers are crossed that Mr. Hassert's fingerprints are all over the "structuring" law. May he spend five years pondering his fine legislative work, protecting the public from people like that businessman.
The chickens of anti-crime hysteria are coming home to roost, at last!
12
The structuring laws are clear. Conduct a cash transaction of $10,000 or more and it is reported to the government. Conduct 10 transactions of $9.999, and even you can figure out what's up.
19
There is another party involved. He/she is named as "Individual A," but there is more to this than fishy bank withdrawals...Common sense is not always right, but in this case it seems clear that nobody would agree to covertly pay $3.5M cash to another individual for virtuous purposes.
25
Another congressman with a skeleton in his closet and who apparently was not smart enough to figure a way around the structuring currency regulations.
13
Don't know and don't have an opinion about what Hastert may have done. That will all come out later.
What I don't understand is why it is a crime to lie to the FBI. Unless you are under oath in a formal legal proceeding, you should have the right to lie through your teeth at any time to anybody. Why are Americans legally obligated to provide incriminating evidence about themselves during an FBI investigation?
What I don't understand is why it is a crime to lie to the FBI. Unless you are under oath in a formal legal proceeding, you should have the right to lie through your teeth at any time to anybody. Why are Americans legally obligated to provide incriminating evidence about themselves during an FBI investigation?
37
Isn't it obstruction of justice or impeding an investigation?
He had the right to lawyer up but not to lie.
He had the right to lawyer up but not to lie.
2
Nobody is legally obligated to incriminate themselves to the FBI; they have the option of not talking at all.
4
We should hold anybody so close to assuming the presidency to a higher standard. Hastert lied to the FBI. I have no pity for him.
1
Dennis at that early date
What sin did you perpetrate?
The threat turned you pale
Millions in blackmail,
How fickle the Finger of Fate!
What sin did you perpetrate?
The threat turned you pale
Millions in blackmail,
How fickle the Finger of Fate!
65
Is this country ever going to clean up Washington and demand term limits for the House and Senate? It is time we starting thinking about moving our country forward and eliminate the crooked politicians who only want to enrich themselves which seems to be most of them. Long prison terms and big fines should be just the beginning.
46
What in the world do "term limits" have to do with this?
Hastert has been out of office for years!
But some 'long prison terms and big fines" would indeed be a good start for many current and past office-holders...
Hastert has been out of office for years!
But some 'long prison terms and big fines" would indeed be a good start for many current and past office-holders...
2
How could term limits possibly solve this problem? The obvious answer is, they wouldn't; they would make it worse.
1
Silly rabbit. The folks that make our laws are never, ever going to allow anything as trivial as doing the right thing for our country to come between them and the riches they worked so hard for. Many of the people that get themselves elected to Congress don't give a hoot about being there. It's just a necessary stop on the way to the pot of gold on K street.
3
Our political system reads like a trashy Harlequin novel: another chapter here of bad writing, a repeated plot, and characterless characters. Just skip to the part where we find out who did what to whom, how many times, where, when, and for how much. And are there any videos?
Or maybe this will be another instance of our political system as a poorly crafted Greek tragedy, where the hubris of elect corporate and elected corporeal individuals will go unpunished by our oligarchical gods, the ones that pull the strings of fate for the Republican and Democratic Parties.
In either case, spare us a false sense of suspense.
Or maybe this will be another instance of our political system as a poorly crafted Greek tragedy, where the hubris of elect corporate and elected corporeal individuals will go unpunished by our oligarchical gods, the ones that pull the strings of fate for the Republican and Democratic Parties.
In either case, spare us a false sense of suspense.
16
Now I'm just wondering why would someone pay a few million to keep someone quiet. It makes me think that what he did was pretty serious. It will come out and it probably is way more egregious than failing to report the cash withdrawals. Oh, and where did a former Speaker of the House get all this money?
78
The good "coach" invested in some property that later sold as part of a government "prairie" something or other here in the land of Lincoln, (who must turn in his grave daily as he learns of the deep corruption amongst the politicians here.)
4
g.i., you speculate, “It will come out." Do not bet on public benefit where Congress is involved. This country has great lawyers who can make eyes water doing proper duty to prove you wrong. One hopes you are correct, but one doubts.
It surprises me the number of people who write here without apparently understanding that the laws regarding reporting of transactions are part of the control of money laundering. Written in the '80s, they are not part of the Patriot Act or other government intrusions on privacy of recent years. They exist so that "cleaning" money from drug transactions, crime cartels, insider trading, and such crimes is made more difficult for perpetrators. When the money has legitimate use, there's no crime at all in the transaction. But this kind of law has been instrumental in investigating criminal organizations, primarily. Hastert's problem was that he was attempting to evade the law, and that he lied when questioned about it. Unfortunately for him, that's against the law, too.
107
@rambd That's backward. The person who gives the gift pays the tax. You're making things up add you go. Read the indictment.
Oncre an individual gives a person more than $13K (or is it $14K?) in one year, the money becomes taxable income to the e recipient. There is also the gift tax, which I believe the "giver" may have to pay so as to avoid tbe income tax on the recipient. This fact may have encouraged cooperation by the blackmailer.
26
The recipient doesn't pay the gift tax if above the gifting threshold. The payer either does or it goes against his lifetime estate tax exemption, which is sizable.
Yes, if the donor gives more than $14,000 to one individual donee (other than the spouse) in a tax year, that has to be reported on IRS Form 709. The donor is responsible for paying the tax on the amount above $14,000 , not the donee. The donor could also claim it as part of their lifetime gift exemtion with is currently about $5.34-million.
Hastert still had a few million $ to go before hitting his lifetime exemption.
Hastert still had a few million $ to go before hitting his lifetime exemption.
1
You are wrong. If a gift goes over the $14k limit, the recipient does not have to pay taxes on it. The giver has to submit a form to the IRS in that case, but does not have to pay extra taxes on it. The total of the gifts will then be subtracted from the giver's estate tax deductible when he or she dies. This practice was set up to prevent wealthy people from giving away large parts of their estate before death in order to avoid the estate tax.
7
Hastert, a former high-school wrestling coach, came very close to serving as President. Remember Bush v. Gore, settled on December 12, 2000 when the Supreme Court handed the election to Bush? The basis for the Court's action was that the electoral college was compelled by statute to meet on December 18, and that there was no way to resolve the Florida recount before that date. The Court's decision was severely criticized, but it may have saved us from President Denny Hastert. If the Court had instead ordered a delay in the electoral college vote until the Florida election was fully resolved (which may have been never), Hastert would have become acting president on January 21, 2001. President Clinton's term would have expired on that date, as would Vice President Gore's term. The Presidential Succession Act of 1947 would have kicked in: "If...there is neither a President nor Vice President..., then the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall...act as President." That would have been Hastert. Whether he would have done a better job than Dubaya is an interesting hypothetical question, as Jeb Bush might put it.
32
My 16 year old cat, at that time, had a better chance to be president then Dennis Hastert. It would have been President Max instead of President Hastert if we want to follow your logic. I will tell you also that Max would have made a much better president than Hastert any day and on any issue. Let's be happy that Hastert never made it to the White House. Max is resting in peace, God be with him.
11
I think even bigger story ought to be the source of money. How did a former high school teacher and wrestling coach amass so much cash?
136
"How did a former high school teacher and wrestling coach amass so much cash?"
Can't it be done honestly?
Can't it be done honestly?
By all means take legal action against Hastert if he has lied to the FBI - that is why the indictment is being executed after all - but should not Hassert's blackmailer not also be prosecuted? Or is blackmail now legal?
The question is now whether the FBI is arm-twisting the blackmail by offering them immunity from prosecution in exchange for his/her cooperation. And does the blackmailer get to keep the extortion money? If Hassert does not look good, the FBI does not look so clean either.
The question is now whether the FBI is arm-twisting the blackmail by offering them immunity from prosecution in exchange for his/her cooperation. And does the blackmailer get to keep the extortion money? If Hassert does not look good, the FBI does not look so clean either.
9
Jonathan: Where did you get the idea blackmail was involved? That would indicate that the other person came to him and asked for money. There is not inference that happened. Don't blame the victim. Hastert's paying someone to keep their mouth shut so he has a career. This was no small transgression if $3.5 million is the fee.
20
The FBI doesn't decide whether to prosecute or offer immunity. They take the evidence to the U.S. Attorney, where prosecutors decide what to do. It seems likely the person who received the payments cooperated with the U.S. Attorney's office, which means some kind of deal, possibly immunity.
3
May not be blackmail. Might be treated as payment for a previous injury. If there is a physical injury, the income is tax free to the injured party.
I think you're jumping to conclusions by saying its blackmail. It may be more in the way of a settlement with a confidentiality agreement. Done often in personal injury and sexual abuse cases.
I think you're jumping to conclusions by saying its blackmail. It may be more in the way of a settlement with a confidentiality agreement. Done often in personal injury and sexual abuse cases.
4
If you're going to sell your soul to the devil, you have to stay within banking regulations, particularly if you are a former Republican Speaker of the House. Hastert should have watched David Letterman who, when blackmailed, went directly to the police, confessed openly and honestly on his TV program about why he was being blackmailed, cleared the air and went on with his life. In the meantime, his blackmailer was convicted in a court of law. You'd think a former Republican Speaker of the House wouldn't be so susceptible except he clearly had the cash to pay.
66
Obviously, what David Letterman did and Denny Hastert did were not the same things.
If that's all Denny Hastert had done, we would not be reading and commenting about it right now.
If that's all Denny Hastert had done, we would not be reading and commenting about it right now.
Or had much more reason than Letterman to hide the causes of his blackmail.
'Kimberly Nerheim, a spokeswoman for the United States attorney’s office, declined to identify the person who was being paid by Mr. Hastert or to comment on whether that individual would face any charges.'
Income tax evasion comes to mind. Can't imagine the person was reporting the fruits of his or her blackmail.
Income tax evasion comes to mind. Can't imagine the person was reporting the fruits of his or her blackmail.
13
It may not be taxable income and nothing in the story suggests blackmail.
1
$3.5 million is a huge amount for blackmail. Something went very wrong in Mr. Hastert's past if he felt compelled to pay it.
77
A year or two' salary as a lobbyist. Easy.
2
And out of curiosity, where did this coach and ten term congressman get $1.7MM from?
And as long as we are asking, what was he paying extortion money for?
And as long as we are asking, what was he paying extortion money for?
69
I thought that the crime of "structuring," which is a contrived crime anyway, only arose with deposits and not withdrawals. I've looked at the statute but not recently. I suspect the prosecutors are stretching the law here. I is $10,000 deposits that must be reported, not $10,
4
Curious that so many people here seem to just overlook the fact that it was his money, that he, from what I read, did not break any law or cash withdrawal reporting requirements other than maybe not telling the truth to the Feds who really had no business looking into his finances at all. It is his money and his business. If he wants to give it away for whatever reason he should be able to without the Feds getting involved.
9
The IRS absolutely has the business to look at whether or not you're avoiding payment of taxes on large sums of money or paying it to someone (who is required to pay taxes on it).
He lied about where the money was going, and therefore was concealing payment that should have been tracked and taxed.
How else do you suggest we keep track of large criminal enterprises and corporate or political corruption?
He lied about where the money was going, and therefore was concealing payment that should have been tracked and taxed.
How else do you suggest we keep track of large criminal enterprises and corporate or political corruption?
3
I feel sorry for anyone who has made a mistake and has been so afraid that it would surface that they would risk their reputation to keep it quiet. I am annoyed that a high school coach could become a millionaire through the use of public office. This may be a situation where I don't want to learn the truth, just know that justice has been served.
22
Meanwhile, so many of us Americans struggle to make ends meet, taking out student loans for betterment of possible job opportunities. Pay and pay for health insurance, lose our homes to foreclosure, never take a vacation due to lack of money. And then we have the Mr. Haster's, taking and living off from the honest, hardworking, tax paying, caring citizens. Let him fall.
54
I guess there's no such thing as a politician who simply does his/her job and gets paid the government salary. Greed gets the best of many of them, regardless of party, and they make a much bigger income on side deals influenced by their position. Sometimes that's corruption, sometimes that's legal. But all times, it distracts the elected official from the job we voted him/her to do.
10
When did it become illegal to spend your own money in a private transaction? I assume Mr. Hastert already paid his taxes on the money. So why is it in the interest of the government to know why he spent it.
9
It's about money laundering. The Bank Secrecy Act requires reporting of large cash withdrawals or deposits even into your own accounts because that's how drug traffickers and gangsters move money around. It's not the deposit or withdrawal that's a crime, it's the failure to make the report or to evade the report by deliberately depositing or withdrawing just a little less than the target amount. They may have suspected him of tax evasion or paying bribes...he is after all an Illinois politician. Then he lied to the FBI about it. Separate offense.
37
The currency laws of the USA are unfair. $10,000 not a large amount of money and you are treated like a criminal for accessing your own money? If Hastert wants to pay somebody off that is his business. It's his money and he can do what he wants. The government has gone too far with this "Structuring" nonsense and $10,000 reporting requirement.
11
Oh, really? And if someone wants to bribe a judge or a cop, is that also his own business? Or launder money? If we aren't allowed to monitor the money flow, we'd might as well give up trying to regulate crime altogether.
We have turned politics from a noble cause of service to the nation to a money-centered machine of fund-raising for reelection. Money for TV, money for media advisors, money for image makers.
Dennis Hastert had a problem. He tried to solve it with money. He took out an average of $ 1100/day for 4 years. It wasn't from his Illinois State Teacher's pension or his House pension. I presume he earned it as a lobbyist, the true pension plan for former politicians.
Money for influence, money for power and money to make previous misdeeds go away. "Government of the people, by the people, for the people" is so passe´.
Dennis Hastert had a problem. He tried to solve it with money. He took out an average of $ 1100/day for 4 years. It wasn't from his Illinois State Teacher's pension or his House pension. I presume he earned it as a lobbyist, the true pension plan for former politicians.
Money for influence, money for power and money to make previous misdeeds go away. "Government of the people, by the people, for the people" is so passe´.
93
"We have turned politics from a noble cause of service to the nation to a money-centered machine of fund-raising for reelection."
Who is "we?"
Who is "we?"
To AnotherIdea in Texas -- the "we" you're asking about would be the Republican politicians and the people who are stupid enough to vote for them. Thankfully that does NOT include me.
What exactly is illegal about what Hastert did? It's his money; he's already paid taxes on it. The person he gave it to should be required to report it, on his taxes. If Hastert doesn't claim extortion or blackmail then where is the crime?
13
The crime of extortion exists, whether or not Hastert claims he acted out of fear of exposure or not. Assuming there is truth to this article, the 'person' or 'persons' have information Hastert does not want public, and is willing to pay large sums of money to conceal. The party receiving the payments is already committing a crime, and if Hastert's previous actions were of a criminal nature, his legal issues are mounting quickly.
22
Should we feel good that a politician was caught breaking the law or should we feel bad that he is just one more in a never ending parade? I think it's the latter. Our elected representatives have done everything in their power to make bribery and corruption legal and they are still getting dragged away in handcuffs. Time to get rid of the two party system.
14
This is trumped up. If I structure a transaction so it is not subject to reportimg requirements what is wrong with that? The charge will get thrown out. As for lying to the fbi, he was not under oath. This nonsense about making it a crime to lie is one of the most draconian misused laws ever.
11
So it's okay to lie to the FBI? If lying to the FBI were not prosecutable, many federal crimes would never get solved. Is that preferable?
25
Poohbear asks what is wrong with structuring a transaction so it is not subject to reporting requirements. Well, for starters, it is a violation of Federal statute. Title 31, United States Code, section 5324, prohibits, under penalty of monetary fine and/or incarceration (jail), the structuring of monetary transactions to evade reporting requirements of 31 U.S.C. 5326 or 31 U.S.C. 5315. As to Poohbear's assertion that lying to the FBI is not criminally actionable because the respondent was not under oath, Poohbear is not close and doesn't receive a cigar. Title 18, United States Code, section 1001 makes it a Federal crime to 1) knowingly and willfully; 2) make any materially false, fictitious or fraudulent statement or representation; 3) in any matter within the jurisdiction of the executive, legislative or judicial branch of the United States. Poohbear, please note that section 1001 does NOT require the respondent be under oath at the time that he/she makes the materially false, fictitious or fraudulent statement or representation. Poohbear's personal opinion of the efficacy of a Federal statute is immaterial to one's liability for violating that statute. What is truly reprehensible is Poohbear's rather liberal misinterpretation of Federal statute which may put in peril others who read and heed his misrepresentations. Because one does not agree with a statute does not afford one license to violate that statute, and one, who does, does so at one's own peril.
34
Yes, it should be okay to lie to the FBI. One should only be prosecuted when lying under oath. The FBI are not above anyone else in the country, and are meant to serve us the public, not entrap us. You know, sometimes people make mistakes in recollection, especially when being grilled by federal agents. And then they are charged with a trumped up lying charge. If the Feds coming askin', just don't say anything. That's the unfortunate truth.
This is yet another example of the government being too involved in people's private matters. He should have told the FBI it is none of their business why he is withdrawing his own money from a bank. The DARPA Total Information Awareness initiative never officially launched but all of the pieces (Bank Secrecy Act reports, telephone metadata, email gathering, etc.) are there and are being used by government employees to spy on/monitor American citizen's lives. You're considered suspicious until every penny that passes through your saving/checking/investment/credit card accounts has been accounted for, every website visit approved, every telephone contact vetted, every purchase reviewed, every location identified by a license plate scan explained, infrared scan of your house evaluated, and drone tracking of your running route verifies you don't deviate from the bureaucrats expected path for your run. So much for privacy.
17
Bingo. You beat me by 2 min on your post. Sadly, I'm sure 95% of those posting here will get caught up in the partisan politics, and fail to recognize the real issue/threat. Kudos.
12
He is also accused of structuring the withdrawals to hide what he was doing. If he had structured the withdrawals first he might have avoided the whole problem.
4
The laws are in place in part to prevent money laundering, and predate the types of spying you refer to here. "On October 26, 1986, with the passage of the Money Laundering Control Act, the right to financial privacy was no longer an issue." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Currency_transaction_report
If you'll go on line to see just what money laundering is, what it means, and who does it, you might reconsider your position.
If you'll go on line to see just what money laundering is, what it means, and who does it, you might reconsider your position.
48
How did the FBI get to know about his cash withdrawals if they were within non reporting threshold? The crime here is that he denied paying off anyone but should there have been a reason for the FBI to interview him in the first place -- his cash withdrawals did not violate any law or did they? Like some other commentators, I reject the criminalization of almost everything. By the way, I never like Hastert or his specious politics.
15
Banks are required to report any suspicious banking activities. Not just large withdrawals or deposits ($10,000+) or smaller if they are regular and seem to be designed to evade the reporting regulation.
It was obvious to the bank that something was amiss so they reported as expected. I am sure the Republicans will say he was "set-up".
It was obvious to the bank that something was amiss so they reported as expected. I am sure the Republicans will say he was "set-up".
9
In the beginning, the cash payments weren't below the 10k level. They were $50,000. After 15 of these $50,000 payments, bank officials questioned Hastert; at that point he changed the transfers to be below 10k. The FBI began an investigation.
1
Just a little bell that reminds us of all the indictments and convictions for corruption and lying that tainted the second Bush administration. I thought the litany was over, but it rolls on lie the polluted rivers of this country made dirty by the GOP, which refuses to clean up politics or the nature it has polluted. Compare these GOP indictments to the last six years of the Obama administration, which have been free of such corruption.
54
Politicians are generally more alike than they are different, regardless of political affiliation. These are people that enjoy having a lot attention, seek a high degree of power and control, and are good at greasing palms. Most come from the same class, go to the same universities, and share the same ideals (which are not particularly grand). Misconduct isn't about party affiliation. I don't like either party as they seek to divide the public and even families with their caustic rhetoric.
1
Imagine, another corrupt politician, only this one seems to be paying blackmail--must have been some "misconduct"!
19
Maybe he was caught voting for Pres. Obama and was trying to hush it up...
35
For a payoff of $3.5 million, this has to be juicy. The best is yet to come.
79
Why such pleasure for the unfolding of this story instead of reforming our political system?
How does a former school teacher and former congressman afford to make rather significant payments?
54
They always make much more as lobbyists after they leave office.
1
He's a lobbyist. That's the best paying job in politics.
1
He's a lobbyist--that's how.
And yet, despite all the high-profile charges and convictions - Governors McDonnell and Blagojevich, Senator Menendez, FIFA and now Hastert, too- politicians and public figures still act on the assumption that they won't be caught. When will they ever learn?
18
So now Dennis Hastert has picked up from Governors Blagojevich and George Ryan in Illinois ignominy. The next time Gail Collins compares states for corruption, the scales may be shifted toward Illinois.
16
I'm assuming the new AG put her stamp of approval on this indictment. First FIFA, now this. I know that hard-working investigators and prosecuting attorneys worked hard on these cases, but, still, she is sending a signal. Go Loretta!
92
Ironically Hastert used to preach 'American values' and morality ad nauseam, was anti-gay marriage, anti-online poker etc. https://www.rakeback.com/news/2015/5/dennis-hastert-charged-with-bank-fr... Glad to see him facing possible prison time.
48
I remember those days. Newt was caught cheating on his wife, so Livingston was offered the Speaker job, but he was cheating on his wife, so Speaker went to Hastert and his seat went to David Vitter, who got caught in a prostitution sting. Oh, the details!
How much more interesting Republicans were before they all got religion!
And to think this man was third in line to be President.
How much more interesting Republicans were before they all got religion!
And to think this man was third in line to be President.
311
I do not know who he/she was. Someone had called the Republican Party a crime syndicate a while back. Here are those government-hating, God-fearing, church-going, law-abiding, family-value, flag-waving, and patriotic Republicans after their veil has been removed. Let see them as they are.
9
Technically, cheating on his wife and ethics violations weren't enough to get The Newt thrown out. It was the poor GOP performance in the 1998 elections.
Nice comment. But you know that they never really had religion. They fake it for their base..
2
I am wondering what he did that was worth so much in extortion or in blackmail. With that kind of money, and given his age, I doubt that it was some personal indiscretion contrary to the "family values" of his party. Gingrich has clearly survived politically from straying from the righteous path. So I guess, it was something so lucrative and so dishonest that it was worth the price.
38
So, you guess? It could have been many non-lucrative types of things. Homosexuality springs to mind, but, unlike you and the 34 who recommend your speculation, I'm not going to guess. I am a liberal Democrat who believes that we should not judge people until proven guilty.
A certain Penn State coach didn't survive straying from the righteous path . . .
He was an American political fairy tale success story. From high school coach to a multimillionaire all while on a government salary. His insider land deals in Northern Illinois while Speaker of the House seemed to indicate that he was teflon coated. Looks like his luck has run out.
98
"Looks like his luck has run out."
"The candle of a liar does not last long!"
Turkish proverb
"The candle of a liar does not last long!"
Turkish proverb
“We’re all shocked,” said Pat Brady, the former chairman of the Illinois Republican Party. “It’s been a total shock in the Land of Lincoln."
That is the most priceless and wonderful comment on this whole episode.
We're all shocked. To think that someone in this state's political class was dishonest! It's just inconceivable and totally without precedent.... Really?
That is the most priceless and wonderful comment on this whole episode.
We're all shocked. To think that someone in this state's political class was dishonest! It's just inconceivable and totally without precedent.... Really?
281
"Your winnings, Sir….."
Yes, shocked! Round up the - um - usual suspects.
It is a shame that Mr. Hastert did something that, at least in his mind, compelled him to make payments to a blackmailer. Federal reporting issues would seem to be the least of Mr. Hastert's problems.
I remember Mr. Hastert, whatever his flaws, as a relatively moderate Republican who was able to work constructively with the Democratic leadership. That is no small thing in these gridlocked times. I wish Mr. Hastert well, and hope that his troubles will be resolved.
I remember Mr. Hastert, whatever his flaws, as a relatively moderate Republican who was able to work constructively with the Democratic leadership. That is no small thing in these gridlocked times. I wish Mr. Hastert well, and hope that his troubles will be resolved.
21
Eh, no. The Hastert rules is what gridlocks everything that a cross party majority could get done for the good of the nation.
10
He didn't just make "payments". It was like $1.7m. It must be something very significant - not some minor lapse of judgment. It is true the other person is likely a "blackmailer," but what did Hastert do? It may open your eyes.
2
Why not wish him well after we see the next episode.
And, of course, the follow up is, what is the dark secret he was hiding from the public and willing to pay millions to keep secret?
If I were to speculate, sounds like he is a "family values" failure. If it was consenting, who cares?
If I were to speculate, sounds like he is a "family values" failure. If it was consenting, who cares?
60
I don't; but apparently he did. And now the IRS goes.
3
Wow. Three consecutive Republican House Speakers under moral and legal clouds. And they're the ones supported by the religious and morality crowd? Yeesh!
574
The last three republican speakers where Newt Gingrich, Hastert and Boehner. What clouds are the other two under exactly?
2
"Three consecutive Republican House Speakers under moral and legal clouds. And they're the ones supported by the religious and morality crowd? "
The religious and morality crowd are easily swayed. No surprise here.
The religious and morality crowd are easily swayed. No surprise here.
Boehner is next.
1
A small town high school teacher enters politics and somehow manages to accumulate $1.7 million to pay off a blackmailer. Great work if you can get it.
359
Do some research and you will find out how -- just before leaving office -- Hastert pressured the Dept. of Transportation to build an unwanted/unneeded highway in Illinois on land that he recently purchased.
21
Actually, it appears he was in the process of paying $3.5 million, if I read the article correctly
Well, considering how many school systems are trying to cheat their retiring age teachers out of their pensions, perhaps it was a better option to go into politics.
2
What high quality politicians we have in the USA. These guys have the morals of an alley cat.
54
Don't insult alley cats, please.
If memory serves, Hastert made a nice piece of change by fortuitously buying real estate that abutted re-zoned land, or his was re=zoned. typical politician's insight into re-zoning, perhaps some pay to play. Maybe the deal came back to bite him.
65
Finally... Hastert was a crook from the beginning, consistently demanding bribes from lobbyists and skimming off the top of every major roadway, real estate, and political deal he could. Hastert takes a big responsibility in the extraordinary corruption and enormous debt experienced by the people of the State of Illinois. All that cash should be returned to the law-abiding tax payers of that great state. Hopefully he and his cronies will finally get what they deserve!
112
Dennis, you should have lawyered up. Must have been some misconduct for $3.5 mil.
39
Seems like only yesterday that Denny left the House, giving the usual reason: so that he could spend more time with his . . . highway.
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-09-03/opinion/ct-edit-highway-20...
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-09-03/opinion/ct-edit-highway-20...
54
I'm smiling. Is that bad of me?
148
I'm no fan of Dennis Hastert, but this is a perfect example of the extent to which everything has been criminalized in America. It's apparently now against the law to be a victim of blackmail. The only reason there's anyone left not in prison is prosecutorial discretion, and what possible public interest does the US Attorney's Office think it is serving here?
20
"It's apparently now against the law to be a victim of blackmail."
Nope. Read the first paragraph. It is a crime
1) to lie to the FBI
and
2) to structure cash withdrawals to avoid bank reporting requirements.
Of course, if the "prior misconduct" he was covering up was also illegal, we can always hope he will be charged with that as well.
Nope. Read the first paragraph. It is a crime
1) to lie to the FBI
and
2) to structure cash withdrawals to avoid bank reporting requirements.
Of course, if the "prior misconduct" he was covering up was also illegal, we can always hope he will be charged with that as well.
201
Save your sorries for honest small business people caught in this Big Data sweep of repeated bank activity hovering just under $10 K.
21
"This is a perfect example of the extent to which everything has been criminalized in America."
You got that right. My wife and I found out last year that we had violated federal law by not disclosing to the government the amount of money we had in our foreign bank accounts. Didn't matter that we didn't earn any interest on the accounts -- we were supposed to have reported all the accounts and how much money was in them. Who knew?
Then this year we got audited by the IRS and were forced to disclose how much money we had in our US bank accounts. Not how much income we had, but all our financial assets. Again, we were threatened with punishment when I objected to disclosure.
Citizens used to have some privacy to live their own lives as long as they didn't break the law. Now we have no privacy, and if we try to maintain it, we violate the law. That's not what I think of when I think of American freedom.
You got that right. My wife and I found out last year that we had violated federal law by not disclosing to the government the amount of money we had in our foreign bank accounts. Didn't matter that we didn't earn any interest on the accounts -- we were supposed to have reported all the accounts and how much money was in them. Who knew?
Then this year we got audited by the IRS and were forced to disclose how much money we had in our US bank accounts. Not how much income we had, but all our financial assets. Again, we were threatened with punishment when I objected to disclosure.
Citizens used to have some privacy to live their own lives as long as they didn't break the law. Now we have no privacy, and if we try to maintain it, we violate the law. That's not what I think of when I think of American freedom.
2
Well at least he is earning an honest living as a lobbyist now, adding great value to our society in general. Why do I think the "Blackmail" had something to do with a real juicy story. I hate to be so cynical and jaded but is anyone who has made it these days not on the take?
49
At 73 does he really still need a job?
1
I never much liked Mr. Hastert and I certainly don't like his politics, but I must say that for a person to be indicted for paying blackmail is pretty harsh. If he did dreadful things to somebody, okay, expose him for it. But we don't want to encourage blackmailers by making people even more afraid to 'fess up.
10
His crime is lying to the FBI.
68
The indictment is also for lying to the FBI, which has long been a crime. Somethjing, I am sure, he knew was a crime. You can refuse to answer, but you had best not lie to the FBI.
As for his conduct, paying that much money in such a short period of time means he either earned an awful lot very, very fast, or he somehow got rich (very rich) on a Illinois and Federal legislative salary. Neither can account for the kind of money, so don't be surprised if there is more to this than just paying a black mailer and lying to the FBI.
As for his conduct, paying that much money in such a short period of time means he either earned an awful lot very, very fast, or he somehow got rich (very rich) on a Illinois and Federal legislative salary. Neither can account for the kind of money, so don't be surprised if there is more to this than just paying a black mailer and lying to the FBI.
1
and Al Capone's crime was failing to declare and pay income tax on earnings from his criminal activity.
1
According to the indictment, he told the agents that he was making the withdrawals to store the cash “because he did not feel safe with the banking system.”
I haven't read the indictment, but this excuse is as dumb as "the dog ate my homework." Actually, it's even dumber. I'm sure as soon as the feds heard that one, it was all over for Hastert. Surprising that someone so cunning and deceitful could only come up with such a lame excuse. I can hardly wait to hear who he was paying off.
I haven't read the indictment, but this excuse is as dumb as "the dog ate my homework." Actually, it's even dumber. I'm sure as soon as the feds heard that one, it was all over for Hastert. Surprising that someone so cunning and deceitful could only come up with such a lame excuse. I can hardly wait to hear who he was paying off.
233
I'm not sure I have total trust in the American banking system,eithe.
1
I'm not a psychologist but I think it's obvious that at some level Hastert wanted to get caught.
Maybe he's just stuffing his mattress because the Fed is keeping interest rates artificially low? Nah. There's a juicy story behind this.
53
Let me see if I understand this - Hastert was arrested because he was being blackmailed? What?
28
Perhaps you should wonder s bit more about the misconduct that he was covering up with the bribes?
64
A former Speaker of the House lied to the FBI about being blackmailed. You don't see any reason for the FBI to pursue this, Kat? Really?
62
Nope. Because he lied. Feds investigate large cash transfers to track and prosecute drug trade and organized crime. Whatever his blackmailable sin is, he should not have lied to the feds. Do you feel sorry for Al Capone about nonpayment of taxes?
5
"The indictment says that Mr. Hastert, who was once a high school teacher and wrestling coach in a small Illinois town, paid $1.7 million to the person from 2010 to 2014 ..." The payments were made by Mr. Hastert in order to “compensate for and conceal his prior misconduct” against that person, according to a federal indictment issued...".
Evidently the "person" has evidence of wrong doing by Mr. Hastert convincing enough to have him pay $1.7 million. We will probably never know what the wrong doing was......
Evidently the "person" has evidence of wrong doing by Mr. Hastert convincing enough to have him pay $1.7 million. We will probably never know what the wrong doing was......
33
Oh, I think we will know what the wrongdoing was. In the intense media environment we live in now, nothing stays secret for very long.
50
what's really great is that the person who blackmailed him will also probably go to jail.
and I have to say, despite the initial crime that may have prompted the blackmail of Hastert, it may be deserved.
the person wanted money, not justice.
and I have to say, despite the initial crime that may have prompted the blackmail of Hastert, it may be deserved.
the person wanted money, not justice.
1
My guess is that we will find out in short order.
4
Interesting . . . sounds like the law he violated relates to the Patriot Act.
16
At the time of Hastert's rise to Speaker, the real power broker in the House was the notorious Tom Delay, Republican from Texas. Delay was so shady that he realized that he never be Speaker, so he backed Hastert, knowing Hastert would dance to Delay's tune. This news item makes my day.
354
Guess he was also dancing to somebody else's tune . . .
I have a deep disdain for conservative Republicans. Those who claim to be conservative thinkers are just that, they don't think enough.
With that said, I do however think highly of Dennis Hastert. He conducted himself well in Congress and seems respectable to me. I hope he wrestles the feds.
With that said, I do however think highly of Dennis Hastert. He conducted himself well in Congress and seems respectable to me. I hope he wrestles the feds.
3
His legacy in Congress is very destructive. He came up,with "Hasher's Rule" that Boehner has followed so obstructively, not to let a bill come to the floor of the House, even if the bill has enough votes to pass on a bipartisan basis, if the majority of Republicans plan to vote against it. In other words, his legacy is letting Republicans who represent a fringe minority of Americans block getting anything done in Congress.
And no, Democrats don't do this. Nancy Pelosi let bills move forward for an up or down vote even when she planned to vote against them.
So, Hastert has done a lot of damage to America already, out in the open. It will be Interesting to find out what payments he was trying to hide.
And no, Democrats don't do this. Nancy Pelosi let bills move forward for an up or down vote even when she planned to vote against them.
So, Hastert has done a lot of damage to America already, out in the open. It will be Interesting to find out what payments he was trying to hide.
400
Sorry, Hastert's rule of course. ( ipad spelling " corrector" needs to learn some political history...)
34
I'd give a lot to know who else knew about whatever it was and whether or not they used that knowledge to blackmail him for things other than money.
10
It is difficult to describe how satisfying this is. Hastert's Rule might be nipping him on the posterior.
264
What was the misconduct that made him susceptible to bribery?
121
and in particular, what misconduct made him susceptible to blackmail on this scale? 1.7 million dollars is a lot of hush money, no?
5
I can't wait to hear who was blackmailing him and what the reason was for.
337
That is the real story.
7
jw
There's nothing in the article about blackmail. It may have been entirely his idea to insure silence from someone who would have otherwise been inclined to reveal some reputation-damaging behavior of his. Blackmail is where someone demands payment for silence.
There's nothing in the article about blackmail. It may have been entirely his idea to insure silence from someone who would have otherwise been inclined to reveal some reputation-damaging behavior of his. Blackmail is where someone demands payment for silence.
We've got to stop (not just for a year or two) these former members of Congress from funneling into the lobbying racket.
If we just pass a law that says "NO"—we might get better quality lobbyists (and members of Congress).
If we just pass a law that says "NO"—we might get better quality lobbyists (and members of Congress).
213
Why would we want lobbyists of any quality?
14
Srwdm,
The problem is the guys who profit from this corruption are the guys who vote and make their own rules.
The problem is the guys who profit from this corruption are the guys who vote and make their own rules.
3
Wow. This news really takes the heat off of Sepp Blatter.
68
Hardly. Different games, different venues.
3
@Robert Dana: Who?
1
Sounds like blackmail and maybe the FBI is taking this route to protect him from a predator. Maybe he will be relieved in the end. Why anyone would want to go into politics anymore is beyond me. Predators at every turn and political pay so low it is easy to be tempted.
Oh well, looks like good reading for the near future. NYT I'm sure is loving Washington and the coming election season"s".
Oh well, looks like good reading for the near future. NYT I'm sure is loving Washington and the coming election season"s".
8
Pay is so low that he accumulated $1.7 million after taxes, over four years, to pay off someone. Doesn't sound too low to me.
12
He didn't accumulate that while in office. Almost certainly came from a seven figure lobbying gig. I'm a lawyer, unlike Hastert, and have colleagues who went to Congress. All invariably took a pay cut.
2
How sweet it is. This the same fellow who shed tears as he ceremoniously carried the Clinton indictment to the Senate.
413
Perhaps he was crying for himself - praying that HIS secrets wouldn't be revealed???
3
As always, the coverup is worse than the crime.
Had he declared that he was making payments to someone for "personal reasons" and reported them to the IRS, there would be no case against him. It's the process of trying to keep it all hidden that gets one afoul of the law.
Had he declared that he was making payments to someone for "personal reasons" and reported them to the IRS, there would be no case against him. It's the process of trying to keep it all hidden that gets one afoul of the law.
105
Would the IRS have been satisfied with a "personal reason" explanation? I suspect the IRS as well as the FBI and a myriad of other 3 letter government entities would have wanted to know all the details.
1
I'm not sure the coverup will be worse than the crime (the prior misconduct) in this case.
6
@K: Could he have avoided lying by simply refusing to speak to the FBI?
2
Just imagine what a fortune this thieving liar must have stolen if he could afford to withdraw $1.7 million in cash to make payments to this "unnamed person".
450
Yes, alansky. Why is all that cash sitting in a bank,, earning less than 2%, while Wall Street has been doing well?
1
C'mon. Give Hastert a break. He made his fortune as a high school wrestling coach..........
4
You are correct, we can only imagine what the thieving Congressmen and Senators are raking into their secret offshore accounts every month. Disgusting is too mild a word to discribe our legislators today. We have the government we deserve. When will voters ever wake up ?
4
Holy cow. What kind of "misbehavior" is worth that kind of money to hide? His hiding Foley's page-tickling adventures and odd help for tribes in on Jack Abramoff's casino deals (that landed Jack in jail) didn't stop him even when he was in office. His spending taxpayer money on a road along property that he secretly owned, raking a cool million in on enhanced value, didn't bring him down. And now, out of office, a mere lobbyist, he's willing to pay a mountain of secret dough to keep someone mum? It's hard not to wonder, a lot, about that. We'll be following this story with interest for sure.
471
Is there a statue of limitations on criminal prosecution of sex with a minor? The ironic thing here is if the person had come forward and won in a civil suit, he/she could be award the same amount of money and legally paid by him. If the victim agreed to this I don't see why it is the government's business to make it public.
1
@DecentDiscourse: "If the victim agreed to this I don't see why it is the government's business to make it public."
Blackmail is a crime.
Blackmail is a crime.
5
Recall Hastert's exaggerated, dastardly and unrelenting pursuit of Clinton during the impeachment proceedings following the K. Starr/Lewinsky episode. This indictment couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.
688
My thought exactly.
Displacement, transference, hypocrisy ?
(All of the above ).
The best is yet to come
Displacement, transference, hypocrisy ?
(All of the above ).
The best is yet to come
17
Now to go after the real criminals in that party, the War criminals. The ones we protect and offer a pension and premium health benefits for life
6
A Republican that "didn't feel safe with the banking system"? That is the ultimate irony. His party has continually kept the banking system corrupt and slanted to the 1 %. How did he amass so much money? When will the voters open their eyes?
587
One of the few people who actually had the power to make some changes to the banking system, and instead he (allegedly) chose to lie and cheat. Pathetic.
202
That's a hilarious crime. Making withdrawals just below $10k to avoid reporting requirements. But what if someone makes a withdrawal below the amount just below reporting requirements. Is that a legal offense too? What the he!! are reporting requirement threshold for anyway? "He made a withdrawal below the amount just below reporting requirements, clearly trying to avoid being charged for the crime of making a withdrawal just below reporting requirements." Big Brother is here with a vengeance.
16
You can make withdrawal of any amount. Over 10,000 the banks must report it. The crime is giving the money to someone without declaring the gift to the IRS. The person getting the money should pay taxes on it unless it's under the $12,000 annual limit. Then he commits perjury. Another crime
100
Taxes are not levied on gifts no matter the amount. If gifts exceed 5 million, the giver must pay a 40% gift tax. The $14,000 gift exemption is never taxed.
13
The giver is responsible for paying any gift tax that is owned, not the recipient.
21
I'm shocked, SHOCKED that a republican Speaker of the House lie to the FBI regarding money.
384
In Illinois, "politics" and "corruption" are synonymous. But, this case does have a twist; it is unusual for the politician to be giving and not taking cash payments. I await the drop of the other shoe, what he was covering up with these payments.
275
He obviously took a lot of cash payments since he was apparently easily able to make these.
3
Remember Illinoisan Henry Hyde's "youthful indiscretion" while he was in his mid-40s? This could very well be based on something similar - except with that amount of money in play, quite possibly far more disturbing.
1
Probably covering up child molestation allegations.
1
So was Hastert being blackmailed?
45
Yes. I guess the subject matter of the blackmail is the other shoe that is about to drop.
82
My mind is awhirl at the thought of what Hastert's misconduct might have been.
140
We can start with the Hastert Rule
81
These people have just exhausted me. What a terrible system we have.
409
it seems the law enforcement system is working, perhaps belatedly.
34
I don't understand what the system has to do with this. These were private activities. He lied to the FBI. He was caught in that lie. He was indicted. He will plea or go to trial. If the latter, a jury will determine his fate. If not to his liking, then there are appeals. Seems like the system works. It's the people who populate the system who are terrible.
Just look at the phonies and the clowns -- from both parties -- who have announced for President. And these are very trying times. Heaven help us.
Just look at the phonies and the clowns -- from both parties -- who have announced for President. And these are very trying times. Heaven help us.
38
The system produces the candidates.
11
If he was so concerned, why not just close the accounts and put cash in a "safe" place? Sorry to overthink it!
19
When you withdraw more that $10,000 the withdrawal must be reported by the bank (to whom I do not know). Hastert was frequently withdrawing amounts smaller than this to avoid the notification requirement. When his behavior was noticed, he lied about it. The indictment indicates that one of the questions that must be answered is why he was withdrawing funds. The investigation may well find that the money was stuffed in his mattress, in which case we can all conclude he is a fool. The suspicion is that he was being blackmailed to prevent disclosure of illegal activities.
29
Closing out the account would have been reported, something he didn't want to happen. The law was made so that large sums of cash couldn't be used illegally. Closing such a large account would have sent a red flag to the FBI, which was what he was trying to avoid.
9
@Janet: I think the banks must report the withdrawals to the FBI. One of the reasons is to thwart laundering of huge amounts of drug money and other proceeds of crime.
3
Power corrupts. Look at Aaron Shock, the guy who also came from that district in Central Illinois, with his Downton Abbey extravaganza of an office.
149
Oh the irony. The best excuse Hastert could come up with was that he 'did not feel safe' with the deregulated banking system he and his fellow Republicans championed and created.
696
Bill Clinton is the one who signed the Bank Deregulation Bills into Law.
Not to mention removing all of the safeguards that prevented the Community Reinvestment Act from capsizing the entire mortgage market in 2008.
Not to mention removing all of the safeguards that prevented the Community Reinvestment Act from capsizing the entire mortgage market in 2008.
5
Bill Clinton agreed to sign omnibus spending bill -- containing the last-minute insertion of Phil Gramm's ruinous 'Commodity Futures Modernization Act' amendment -- after receiving assurances from Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan (R) that banks and financial institutions would never do anything that would jeopardize their financial safety.
Because of the swap-related provisions of Gramm's bill, a $62 trillion market (nearly four times the size of the entire US stock market) was utterly unregulated. There was no one, absolutely no one, to make sure the banks and hedge funds (or AIG) had the assets needed to cover the losses they guaranteed.
In 1993, Gramm left the Senate and joined UBS as a vice-chairman.
Greenspan, under Congressional questioning in 2008, acknowledged that he had made a “mistake” in telling President Clinton he the Gramm amendment was nothing to worry about because banks, operating in their own self-interest, would do what was necessary to protect their shareholders and institutions.
Because of the swap-related provisions of Gramm's bill, a $62 trillion market (nearly four times the size of the entire US stock market) was utterly unregulated. There was no one, absolutely no one, to make sure the banks and hedge funds (or AIG) had the assets needed to cover the losses they guaranteed.
In 1993, Gramm left the Senate and joined UBS as a vice-chairman.
Greenspan, under Congressional questioning in 2008, acknowledged that he had made a “mistake” in telling President Clinton he the Gramm amendment was nothing to worry about because banks, operating in their own self-interest, would do what was necessary to protect their shareholders and institutions.
35
Did he forget that he could have put the cash, when he got it, under the mattress and he wouldn't be where he is today?
2
And on top of any regular embarrassment, Hastert has to have the additional right-wing "Oh no they've got me now!" double whammy shame added to his discomfort. This story clearly not going away soon.