Former GOP House Speaker Hastert Indicted

[Glenn Quagmire]

CHICAGO (AP) Federal prosecutors announced bank-related charges against former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert on Thursday, accusing the 73-year-old Illinois Republican of withdrawing $952,000 in cash in a way that evaded the requirement that banks report cash transactions over $10,000. He's also accused of lying to the FBI.

Each count of the indictment carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, according to a statement from the U.S. attorney's office in Chicago.


http://news.yahoo.com/ex-us-speaker-hastert-indicted-bank-related-charges-214129927--politics.html

 

[Ms Tree]

Why do these people think they can get away with this stuff.  I remember when Hart dared the media to find any dirt on him.  Seriously, how stupid can you be to dare the media to dig in your back yard when you know you have a body buried back there?  Embezzle nearly a billion dollars and thjink you are going to get away with it?  He must have a huge nut sack.

 

[delldude]

Whoopeee ding.....

 

[Glenn Quagmire]

Ahh, the good ole' days...

"House Republicans were seen by many as blindly following former President George W. Bushs lead in the months and years after the 9/11 attacks, including backing the 2003 invasion of Iraq and the Bushs administrations disastrous handling of the subsequent insurgency.

In return for their support on Iraq, Bush gave lawmakers a free hand on federal spending. And lawmakers inserted thousands of earmarks into annual appropriations bills. The practice grew out of hand, however, and led to scandals, including a bribery case that landed Rep. Randy Duke Cunningham (R-Calif.) in federal prison.

Other scandals followed on Hasterts watch, in part because the House Ethics Committee was unable to do its job policing members thanks to partisan squabbling. The Jack Abramoff debacle ensnared DeLay, former Administration Committee Chairman Bob Ney (R-Ohio), and a host of other members and aides. The FBI even raided the Capitol Hill office of ex-Rep. William Jefferson (D-La.), a move that resulted in howls of protests from Republicans and Democrats alike. While the FBI later was forced to return the material it seized, Jefferson eventually ended up in prison anyway.

Hastert was seen by many as under DeLays control, even trying to protect DeLay after the Texas Republican was indicted in a politically inspired money laundering case in the Lone Star State. DeLay was eventually forced to give up his leadership post and then resigned when it looked like he would be defeated in 2006 due to his ties to Abramoff.

Perhaps most devastating for Hastert was his handling of the sex scandal surrounding ex-Rep. Mark Foley (R-Fla.), an episode which might come to be viewed in a different light after Thursdays announcement by the Justice Department."


Read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2015/05/hastert-indictment-shocks-former-colleagues-118398.html#ixzz3bXLY66Jt

 

[delldude]

Is he guilty?

 

[Glenn Quagmire]

I hope not. He seemed like a decent guy compared to most. He has been an active lobbyist since leaving office though.

 

[jimntx]

Is he guilty?

I'm guessing YES.  One thing about the FBI...they may be crazy, but they ain't stupid.  Considering that ALL members of Congress, Democrats or Republicans, view themselves as like the Virgin Mary--without sin or error, the FBI does not bring charges against former or sitting members of Congress unless they have them dead to rights.
 
As Mark Twain once said, "There is no known native criminal class in America, other than Congress."

 

[delldude]

I hope not. He seemed like a decent guy compared to most. He has been an active lobbyist since leaving office though.

 
 
Reading he was being blackmailed......he's now a victim/perp all in one?

 

[eolesen]

Sounds like the only thing he's ultimately guilty of is withdrawing and not wanting to have to explain what he was doing with his own money.

 

[delldude]

Drudge claiming he was covering up sexual misconduct.........

 

[southwind]

Ahh, the good ole' days...
"House Republicans were seen by many as blindly following former President George W. Bushs lead in the months and years after the 9/11 attacks, including backing the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Could have sworn there were a few Demorats backing that invasion!


  

Sounds like the only thing he's ultimately guilty of is withdrawing and not wanting to have to explain what he was doing with his own money.

Yep, kinda sucks when you spend you own money, without asking big brothers opinion first!

 

[777 fixer]

Sounds like the only thing he's ultimately guilty of is withdrawing and not wanting to have to explain what he was doing with his own money.

 
It appears to be more than just that.
 
http://news.yahoo.com/dennis-hastert-allegedly-engaged-sexual-misconduct-during-time-202654802.html

 

[777 fixer]

I hope not. He seemed like a decent guy compared to most. He has been an active lobbyist since leaving office though.

 
Aside from the latest revelation do a google search on his land dealings.

 

[Glenn Quagmire]

Could have sworn there were a few Demorats backing that invasion!
  Yep, kinda sucks when you spend you own money, without asking big brothers opinion first!

Step away numnuts, the adults are talking.

 

[Dog Wonder]

Its a conspiracy!!!  All over the radio!!!!  Racists!!!!!