Hastert says he's 'deeply sorry' for misconduct decades ago

The Chicago Tribune reports:

Three weeks before Dennis Hastert faces sentencing on hush-money charges, his lawyers laid out their reasons for probation in a court filing Wednesday that says the former U.S. House speaker is "profoundly sorry" for the harm he caused others decades ago.

The carefully worded filing suggests Hastert's attorneys will likely have to walk a fine line when he is sentenced April 27 by U.S. District Judge Thomas M. Durkin.

While Hastert feels remorse for those he has harmed, his lawyers said, they stopped short of acknowledging accusations he sexually abused students when he was a teacher and wrestling coach at Yorkville High School. In fact, they singled out his teaching and coaching background for praise, saying he chose that career path to "make a difference in the lives of young people."

They also contended that Hastert had "reshaped his life" many years ago.

Creepy Dennis Hastert in the news.