Illinois politician’s brother identifies himself as victim of Dennis Hastert
Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert arrives at the federal courthouse in Chicago Wednesday for his sentencing on federal banking charges, which he pleaded guilty to last year. (Photo: Charles Rex Arbogast/AP)
In an emotional courtroom appearance, one of the previously anonymous victims accusing former House Speaker Dennis Hastert of sexual abuse identified himself as the brother of Hastert’s political protégé, former Illinois House Republican Leader Tom Cross.
Scott Cross, 53, who had previously been known in court documents only as “Individual D,” said the sexual assault occurred decades ago when he was a Yorkville High School wrestler and Hastert was his coach, according to local media.
Chicago-based reporters, including the News York Times’ Julie Bosman and Fox News’ Chad Pergram, were in the Chicago federal courtroom to live-tweet Hastert’s sentencing hearing. According to the reporters, Cross said the one-time incident in the boys’ locker room consisted of Hastert pulling down Cross’ shorts and grabbing his penis while giving him a massage, which was ostensibly intended to help him lose weight. Up until that point, Cross said, he had respected and trusted his coach, but he had to seek professional help for the trauma afterward.
“I’ve always felt that what Coach Hastert had done to me was my darkest secret,” says alleged sex abuse victim in open court.
Alleged Hastert victim Scott Cross: As a 17-yr-old boy I was devastated. I felt very alone and tremendously embarrassed…shame and guilt.
A previously unnamed man who said he was abused by Dennis Hastert identified himself in court. “I was stunned,” the man told the judge.
Individual D, who introduced himself as Scott Cross, tells the judge coming forward less painful than keeping his secret
WBBM-TV reports that Cross did not tell his parents about the incident until last year, when Hastert was in court facing allegations that he had paid another victim hush money. Hastert actually called Cross’ brother to ask if he would write a letter of support. His defense team acknowledged the call and suggested that Hastert’s compartmentalization must have enabled him to ask the brother of a victim for help, according to the CBS affiliate.
When asked if he had ever sexually abused Cross, Hastert reportedly said that he did not remember the incident.
The judge asks Hastert if he sexually abused Mr. Cross, who testified today. Hastert: “I don’t remember that, but I accept his statement.”
CBS Chicago reporter Audrina Bigos obtained the following statement released by Cross’ family shortly after his testimony:
“We are very proud of Scott for having the courage to relive this very painful part of his life in order to ensure that justice is done today. We hope his testimony will provide courage and strength to other victims of other cases of abuse to speak out and advocate for themselves. With his testimony concluded, we ask now that you respect Scott’s privacy and that of our family.”
The Chicago Tribune reports that Cross wrestled for Yorkville High School for four years, became the team’s captain his senior year and also participated in baseball and cross-country. He graduated in 1980, the year before Hastert left the school after being elected state representative. Afterward, they would often run into each other as Cross’ brother pursued a life in politics and turned to Hastert for guidance.
Slideshow: A look back at Dennis Hastert’s career >>>
Illinois House Minority Leader Tom Cross speaks to reporters at the state Capitol in September 2012. (Photo: Seth Perlman/AP)
Jolene Burdge also took the stand to testify on behalf of her brother, Stephen Reinboldt, who was allegedly abused by Hastert and died of AIDS in 1995.
“Don’t be a coward. … Tell the truth,” she said, according to the Associated Press. “I hope I have been your worst nightmare.”
Federal Judge Thomas Durkin delivered a long statement before announcing the sentence, repeatedly calling Hastert a “serial child molester” and a “liar.” Noting that Hastert could not be charged with child sexual abuse because the statute of limitations for those crimes had ended, the judge sentenced Hastert to 15 months in federal prison and two years of supervised release for illegally structuring bank transactions to cover up payments to Reinboldt.
Bosman reported the judge’s final words before exiting the courtroom: “This is a horrible case … horrible for our country. I hope I never have to see a case like this again.”
