Disgraced ex-Speaker Hastert to be deposed this summer in sexual abuse lawsuit

Former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert is expected to answer questions under oath this summer as part of an explosive lawsuit brought by a former wrestler he coached decades ago whose sexual abuse allegations led to the disgraced politician’s dark past being brought to light.

During a brief court hearing Tuesday, Kendall County Judge Robert Pilmer urged both sides in the long-simmering litigation to complete depositions and other remaining discovery issues by the next court date. The judge said he is eager to set a trial date if lawyers do not reach a settlement by Aug. 20.

“We’re going to do our best to follow the judge’s order,” said attorney Peter Evans, who represents the victim, known as Individual A in the federal criminal case.

Hastert, 76, has kept a low profile since he was released from a federal prison in Minnesota last July. He served 13 months for violating banking regulations to cover up the sexual abuse of teenage boys during the 1960s and 1970s when he was a wrestling coach at Yorkville High School.

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