US: Former Speaker Faces Allegations Of Covering Up Alleged Sexual Abuse

<p>Former Speaker of the House in Congress Dennis Hastert's was allegedly paying a former student to keep quiet about allegations of abuse from the time when Hastert was a teacher and wrestling coach in Illinois, two sources with knowledge of a federal government investigation told CNN and The New York Times yesterday which was subsequently covered on all the front pages of the American media.</p> <p>Washington political circles are reeling in shock that the Former Speaker, and currently one of the most powerful lobbyists on Capitol Hill, has been indicted for alleged efforts to hide $3.5 million in payments he agreed to pay to an undisclosed person to "<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2015/06/01/us/politics/01reuters-usa-crime-hastert.html?_r=0">cover up past misconduct</a>."</p><p></p><p>A federal law enforcement official confirmed to CNN early Friday evening that the former student was a male and a minor when the alleged abuse took place. Federal law enforcement officials also said that investigators decided not to pursue a possible extortion case in the matter.</p><p></p><p>Hastert’s friends in high places are still cautiously standing The friend, and the current House Speaker John Boehner released a statement early Friday evening, saying "the Denny I served with worked hard on behalf of his constituents and the country. "But, he said, "I'm shocked and saddened to learn of these reports."</p><p></p><p>Under the US Constitution the Speaker of the House is de facto third in line to the President (after the Vice President),</p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.thegayuk.com/RogerWalkerDack">@RogerWalkerDack</a></p>