Dennis Hastert Rolls into Federal Court in Wheelchair This Morning: Video

Dennis Hastert left his Plano home early Wednesday morning for the long drive to the federal courthouse in Chicago, where he'll face some of the men who say their former high school wrestling coach sexually abused them decades ago.

He arrived at the courthouse early, just after 7 a.m., and slowly climbed out of a car and into a wheelchair. An aide carried a walker. Then he was wheeled past a gaggle of reporters, TV cameras and photographers who arrived well before the hearing to witness the disgraced politician's arrival.

Hastert's sentencing has been delayed several times due to his failing health. Hastert was hospitalized recently, and his lawyers in January said he almost died.

Hastert, who left teaching and coaching at Yorkville High School to enter politics, eventually would become Speaker of the U.S. House and second in line to the presidency. He would also become a wealthy man, and in recent years was paying "hush money," according to federal prosecutors, to keep one of his victims quiet about his sexual misbehavior.

Hastert had agreed to pay the man, known as Individual A in the indictment, millions of dollars. But the FBI grew suspicious of Hastert's frequent bank withdrawals, noting how he was skirting laws requiring him to report the amounts to the government.

Ultimately, he was charged with structuring, a banking crime, and pleaded guilty last year.

Sentencing guidelines call for a six-month prison term, but the judge could make his own decision. Hastert could be sentenced to probation, but also could receive more prison time than the guidelines allow.

Hastert also could speak today at the hearing. The sister of one of his victims, the late Steve Reinboldt, will also testify.

Return to Patch later today for more

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• Dennis Hastert Support Letters Made Public
• Dennis Hastert 'Earnestly Apologizes' for Sex with Boys
• Hastert Watched Boys Shower, Sat in Big, Comfy Chair
• Abuse Victim Sues Hastert for Rest of Hush Money
• Hastert Almost Died, Judge Delays Sentencing