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Prosecutors say they’re looking into Hastert leaks

Posted in:

• Illinois

* AP…

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 that 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.” […]

Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Block told U.S. District Judge Thomas Durkin that prosecutors also find the leaks “disturbing.” He said the government is “doing everything we can” to look into it.

There are always some leaks and some helpful “assistance” provided to “friendly” reporters. But the Chicago US Attorney’s office hasn’t leaked like this in my memory.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Jun 19, 15 @ 11:23 am

Comments

1. As an experienced attorney I am sure Mr. Green has experience doing some leaking himself, as does his client.

   Comment by Precinct Captain Friday, Jun 19, 15 @ 11:30 am

2. ===He said the government is “doing everything we can” to look into it.===

   Maybe they should ask the FBI to investigate because it’s pretty clear that’s the source of the leaks. Something tells me though that no one will be reprimanded. Just a hunch.

   Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Jun 19, 15 @ 11:31 am

3. It may not be the USAO. It may be Main Justice in DC or the FBI. Whoever it was, they should be fired.

   Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jun 19, 15 @ 11:31 am

4. Why conduct an investigation when it’s so much easier to blame Eric Holder. #thanksObama /s

   Comment by Juice Friday, Jun 19, 15 @ 11:35 am

5. The indictment language gave a clear enough picture for anyone with two neurons to rub together. Later, “leaks” were just additional confirmation.

   Comment by south side Friday, Jun 19, 15 @ 11:39 am

6. –He said the government is “doing everything we can” to look into it.–

   Really? Because when the federales are on you, “everything we can” is pretty scary.

   Anyone being questioned by FBI agents from out of town, knowing that a lie can get them prosecuted for a felony (like Hastert)? Phone records being pulled? Anyone called before a grand jury?

   Those are just a few things the federales can do when they’re “doing everything we can.” But I seriously doubt they’re investigating themselves that rigorously for leaks.

   Like they don’t know who it is already.

   Tnis case is surreal. The actual charges in the indictment are Mickey Mouse at best, yet the unstated, but leaked, underlying motivation for them are dark as can be.

   Comment by Wordslinger Friday, Jun 19, 15 @ 11:46 am

7. Word

   You hit on the most disturbing part of this. Without the leaks Hastert is a guy brought up on silly charges who is more or less harmless. With the leaks he is Darth Vader andAl Capone all rolled into one.

   Comment by Mason born Friday, Jun 19, 15 @ 12:16 pm

8. Without the leaks Hastert is being brought up on silly, Mickey Mouse charges. With the leaks a measure of justice is being done.

   Comment by Leave a Light on George Friday, Jun 19, 15 @ 12:52 pm

9. I agree. The leak came out of the DOJ in Washington, not someone local.

   Comment by In a Minute Friday, Jun 19, 15 @ 1:26 pm

10. Obama has been more aggressive in prosecuting leakers than any of his predecessors. Let’s see if he continues that policy in this case.

    Comment by nona Friday, Jun 19, 15 @ 2:23 pm

11. By all means, let’s protect the child molester. Alleged.

    Comment by Michael Westen Friday, Jun 19, 15 @ 2:33 pm

12. I’m with south side. The leaks only served to confirm the clear innuendo that was captured in the indictment.

    Comment by pundent Friday, Jun 19, 15 @ 2:59 pm

13. No one had to leak anything for this case to take its dark turn. The woman who reported alleged abuse to her brother, was ready to be public after reading about the indictment.

    Comment by walker Friday, Jun 19, 15 @ 3:06 pm

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