CHICAGO -- Former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, several other former congressmen and a onetime CIA chief were among 41 people who wrote letters asking for leniency for Dennis Hastert as the former U.S. House speaker heads to sentencing next week in his hush-money case.
The names of people who wrote to support Hastert, 74, were made public Friday in a defense filing in federal court in Chicago that included copies of the letters.
Hastert will be sentenced Wednesday after pleading guilty last year to breaking banking laws as the Illinois Republican sought to pay $3.5 million to someone referred to in filings only as "Individual A" to ensure that person didn't divulge past misconduct by Hastert.
Prosecutors say the core of the misconduct is sexual abuse by Hastert when he coached wrestling and taught at Yorkville High outside Chicago from 1965 until 1981.
The letters are part of a defense bid to get probation for a man who was once second in line of succession to the U.S. presidency and who now faces up to five years in prison.
In his letter asking the judge to show mercy, DeLay, also a Republican, emphasized Hastert's faith.
"He is a good man that loves the Lord," DeLay wrote. "He doesn't deserve what he is going through."
At least four other House veterans sent letters: former U.S. Reps. John Doolittle and David Dreier of California; Thomas Ewing of Illinois; and Porter Goss of Connecticut, who also once headed the CIA.
Hastert's wife and children also submitted letters.
In her letter, Hastert's wife of almost 42 years, Jean Hastert, cited her husband's deteriorating health. And she added: "This has taken a terrible toll on our family. Please consider us when determining an appropriate sentence."
Prosecutors say Hastert abused at least four boys at Yorkville High, according to an April 8 pre-sentencing memorandum that detailed the allegations for the first time. Individual A says he was 14 when Hastert abused him in a motel room after telling the boy he wanted to check a groin injury.
Prosecutors have made clear that sex-abuse allegations will be the focus of sentencing. The hearing will include one accuser -- a former wrestler referred to as "Individual D" in court papers -- making a victim's statement.
A Section on 04/23/2016