Dennis Hastert to Plead Guilty; Jail Is Unclear

Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert has agreed to plead guilty in a convoluted case that involved allegations he sexually abused a student as a high school wrestling coach, reports the Chicago Tribune. The guilty plea means Hastert will avoid a potentially embarrassing trial, though it remains unclear whether he will face any prison time, reports the New York Times.

The charges he faced weren't about the alleged sexual abuse but about shady bank transfers made by Hastert in recent years. Prosecutors say he was shuffling money around illegally in order to make blackmail payments over the sex allegations. The specifics of what Hastert will admit to weren't released, but a court hearing in which he'll enter his plea has been set for Oct. 28. (More Dennis Hastert stories.)