Dennis Hastert pleads guilty to federal charge

By Jason Meisner and Jeff Coen - Posted at The Chicago Tribune:

Former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert pleaded guilty Wednesday to evading currency-reporting requirements, but no further details came out about the underlying wrongdoing that led him to withdraw nearly $1 million in cash from four banks over 2 ½ years.

"Guilty, sir," Hastert said of a felony charge as he leaned toward a microphone during the hearing in Chicago's federal court.

U.S. District Judge Thomas Durkin set sentencing for Feb. 29. Hastert, 73, faces probation or up to six months in prison.

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