Hastert’s sentencing delayed until April

A federal judge has delayed sentencing for former Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) for evading bank reporting requirements, a new report said Thursday.

Hastert will wait until April to be sentenced in connection with a $3.5 million hush money scheme, according to The Associated Press.

{mosads}U.S. District Judge Thomas Durkin pushed back Hastert’s original Feb. 29 sentencing date to April 8 due to his health struggles.

Hastert’s attorney argued the former Speaker is largely immobile following a “small stroke” in November.

“He nearly died that week,” John Gallo said of Hastert’s November hospitalization.

“But for the 24-hour care, he would in a nursing home,” he added, noting that the 74-year-old is still “lucid” despite his condition.

While granting Hastert the delay, Durkin noted that “other than the physical issue, there should be no reason” for further delay.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Block said the federal government accepts the rescheduling but wants resolution for Hastert’s actions.

“There are victims in this case and they deserve closure,” he said.

Gallo revealed Thursday that Hastert is incapable of dressing and bathing himself without assistance from caretakers. The retired lawmaker also only recently regained his ability to ascend several stairs.

Reports emerged last month that Hastert was recuperating in a hospital after a minor stroke in November.

He initially pleaded guilty in late October to withdrawing money from banks in amounts less than $10,000 to dodge federal reporting requirements.

Hastert reportedly used $3.5 million in personal wealth to “conceal prior misconduct” dating back to his days as a high school wrestling coach in Illinois.

The recipient, identified as only “Individual A,” allegedly engaged in sexual misconduct with Hastert during his tenure at a school from 1965 to 1981.