Dennis Hastert released from prison in Minnesota
CHICAGO (AP) — Former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert was released from prison in Minnesota and transferred to a Chicago re-entry facility, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Hastert was sentenced to 15 months in prison in April 2016 in a banking violations case that revealed accusations he had sexually abused teenagers while coaching wrestling at a suburban Chicago high school.
The Bureau of Prisons said in an email that Hastert left the Minnesota prison on Monday and is now "under the jurisdiction" of a Chicago residential re-entry management office. It's unclear whether Hastert was staying at a halfway house or whether he could be transferred to home confinement. Hastert's release date is listed as Aug. 16.
The Illinois congressman-turned-high-paid lobbyist had to serve at least 85 percent of his sentence, or just over a year. It's not uncommon for inmates to be released early for administrative or other reasons.
Hastert pleaded guilty to violating banking law in seeking to pay $3.5 million in hush money to keep the sex abuse secret. He is one of the highest-ranking U.S. politicians to ever go to prison, where he was known as Inmate No. 47991-424.
Scott Cross, who testified at Hastert's sentencing hearing that Hastert abused him as a teen, said today he didn't ask to be notified of Hastert's release from prison and remains intent on moving on with his life.