Former Speaker J. Dennis Hastert is recovering from a stroke as he awaits sentencing for his guilty plea stemming from a hush-money scheme.  

Hastert’s attorney, Thomas Green, confirmed the Illinois Republican’s health status in a statement provided to Roll Call. “In light of inquiries from the press I am confirming that during the first week of November our client Dennis Hastert was admitted to the hospital,” said Green, a senior counsel in the Washington, D.C., office of Sidley Austin. “Mr. Hastert has suffered a stroke and has been treated for Sepsis. While in the hospital two surgeries on his back were performed. We are hopeful that Mr. Hastert will be released from the hospital in the early part of the new year.  

“The family very much desires that during Mr. Hastert’s continued hospitalization his privacy will be respected,” Green concluded.  

Hastert was indicted in May for paying $3.5 million in small increments to cover up “his past misconduct” against “Individual A” and seeking to conceal the acts, including lying to federal agents, according to court documents. The New York Times and other publications reported the past misconduct was linked to decades-old allegations of sexual abuse of a former student, when Hastert was a high school wrestling coach and teacher.  

He has pleaded guilty to evading federal bank reporting requirements.