Hastert attorney: Leaks in hush-money case 'unconscionable'

CHICAGO -- A lawyer for former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert on Thursday called leaks regarding the federal hush-money case against the Illinois Republican "unconscionable" and said he may ask the court to investigate.

Thomas Green, Hastert's Washington, D.C.-based defense attorney, said during a status hearing in Chicago he's concerned information that's been disclosed to the media may inhibit Hastert's right to a fair trial.

"Something has to be done to stop these leaks," said Green, who attended the hearing via telephone. "They're unconscionable, and they have to stop."

Hastert, who wasn't required to attend Thursday's hearing and didn't do so, is accused of promising to pay $3.5 million to someone identified in an indictment only as "Individual A" to conceal past misconduct against that person.

The indictment does not detail the alleged misconduct, and both prosecutors and defense attorneys have taken steps to keep the information confidential.

But The Associated Press and other media outlets, citing anonymous sources, have reported the payments were intended to conceal claims of sexual misconduct from decades ago.

Hastert and his lawyers have not commented on the allegations included in the indictment or the additional information provided to the media. His Chicago-based attorneys left the courthouse Thursday without speaking to reporters.

The former teacher and coach has pleaded not guilty to charges of violating banking laws and lying to the FBI. Authorities allege he structured cash withdrawals in increments of just under $10,000 in an attempt to avoid reporting rules, and when questioned about it by the FBI, Hastert said he was taking the money out because he didn't trust banks.

Green said he has made his "displeasure" about the leaks clear to prosecutors and said the government "has to do something" or he may seek an investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Block told U.S. District Judge Thomas Durkin prosecutors also find the leaks "disturbing."