Ex- House Speaker Dennis Hastert Sentencing Delayed Due To Stroke

By Kate Shepherd in News on Jan 28, 2016 7:20PM

Former House speaker Dennis Hastert's ongoing legal troubles took another bizarre turn when he nearly died in November. He's overcome a rare blood infection that almost took his life, but is still recovering from a stroke, so his sentencing has been postponed, according to the Tribune.

A federal judge moved his upcoming sentencing hearing to April 8 from Feb. 29.

He's receiving 24-hour care at home after being released from the hospital on Jan. 15 and needs help to feed himself and walk.

"The prospect for a full recovery will not be known for another month," Hastert's attorney John Gallo said in court. "The particular issue is mobility ... He told me yesterday he took his first step up stairs yesterday."

He plead guilty in October to bank fraud charges stemming for $1.7 million authorities said he paid in blackmail money to an unnamed individual. He allegedly was paying the person off to cover up sexual misconduct dating back to his days as a wrestling coach and teacher at suburban Yorkville High School.

The former speaker's health issues could help him avoid prison. His plea deal recommends a sentence from probation up to six months in prison.