FILE - In this June 9, 2015 file photo, former House Speaker Dennis Hastert departs the federal courthouse in Chicago after his arraignment on federal charges that he broke federal banking laws and lied about the money when questioned by the FBI. On Tuesday, July 14, 2015, a pre-trial status hearing is scheduled for Hastert in his federal hush-money case. (AP Photo/Christian K. Lee) (The Associated Press)
CHICAGO – A status hearing is scheduled in the federal hush-money case against former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert.
The 73-year-old Republican isn't required to attend Tuesday's hearing in Chicago. The judge will ask about trial preparations.
Hastert lives west of Chicago, near Yorkville where he coached high school wrestling and taught until 1981. He's free on bond.
Hastert allegedly agreed to pay $3.5 million to someone the indictment identifies as "Individual A" to hide misconduct. The Associated Press and other media, citing anonymous sources, have reported the payments were intended to conceal claims of sexual misconduct decades ago.
Hastert is accused of structuring cash withdrawals to skirt reporting rules. He's pleaded not guilty to violating banking laws and lying to the FBI.
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AP Writer Eric Tucker in Washington contributed to this report.
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