Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-1 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 1 of 2 PageID #:848 Exhibit 1 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-1 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 2 of 2 PageID #:849 Jean Hastert r-~---~----~--~~-- :Redacted j March 2, 2016 The Honorable Thomas M. Durkin Everett McKinley Dirksen United States Courthouse 219 South Dearborn Street Chicago, IL 60604 Dear Judge Durkin, I write in support of my husband, Dennis Hastert. Denny and I have been married for almost 43 years. I have known him almost my entire adult life and I have never known a more honorable and devoted man. He has spent his life in the service of others. He has always been selfless with his time and talents and has been incredibly devoted to the success of others. If one of his students or wrestlers ever needed anything of him, he would be there for them, and he was never happier than when he could watch someone he helped succeed. I really think that is how he viewed his own success-through the success of those he helped achieve their success. That was the way he was as a teacher with his students. That was the way he was as a wrestling and football coach with his teams. And that was the way he was with his colleagues in Springfield and Washington. I also believe that, given the time and if his health improves, he will continue to help others and find ways to give back to his communities. It is what he has always done and it is what he loves. Even up to last summer, he was busy working, helping teach college courses at local schools, or volunteering his time to one cause or another. Denny's selflessness has not been without cost, however. Because he spent so much of his career away from home helping others, we always looked forward to his retirement so that we could spend more time together. Now, with his failing health, I worry about how much time we will ever get together. I am particularly worried that if he is taken from his home and the care he needs, his health will continue to deteriorate. This has taken a terrible toll on our family. Please consider us when determining an appropriate sentence. Thank you. Sincerely, Jean Hastert Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-2 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 1 of 3 PageID #:850 Exhibit 2 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-2 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 2 of 3 PageID #:851 r I! Joshua J. Hastert ""!1_.. •"'!I""Y.•PI! -· • .,....., • I Redacted . .IL--·---------- --- --- --- ------· I • ~ March 8, 2016 The Honorable Thomas M. Durkin Everett McKinley Dirksen United States Courthouse 219 South Dearborn Street Chicago, IL 60604 Dear Judge Durkin: I am writing regarding J. Dennis Hastert, my father. Throughout my life, my father has always been supportive of my pursuits and interests even when they were not in line with his own-or even met with his approval. I have worked in the independent music industry since 1997 and, along the way, have owned and run a record store and event venue, a record label, and a music production company. These endeavors were all extremely labor intensive and marginally profitable (at best). He was never anything but supportive, and he always took an interest in my work if not in the subject matter ofthat work. I am fairly certain that he has never really fully understood what I was doing or why I was doing it, but he knows that it keeps me busy and happy. And, that is enough for him to be happy for me. The support he has shown me over the years is not unique to me. He has always been accepting and supporting of others, generally. He raised me to believe that a person should be judged by their character and not by their net-worth, race, religion, or any other arbitrary measure of acceptability. That is a very common viewpoint now, but less so thirty and forty years ago when he was first teaching me those life lessons. My father always took the time and effort to expose my brother and me to other cultures and viewpoints through his choice of books, food, and family trips. He used to tell us that you learn the most about a person by learning about where they are from and how they live. He would say that it was sometimes difficult to imagine how someone could view the same set of facts and come to a completely different conclusion than you-until you saw it from their point of view. He did his best to instill that sense of fairness and understanding in me as well. I can remember getting in trouble for a lot of things growing up. But, as an adult, one thing stands out among the others. I, like many kids in my generation, would learn offensive language at school and bring it home. My father would have none of it. I didn't understand it then, but I do now. He was right, and I am a better person for it. Please, as you determine my father's sentence, keep in mind the fact that he spent 35 years of his life serving the public good and doing what he could to do make his our communities better places to live. I didn't always see eye-to-eye with my father, but I always Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-2 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 3 of 3 PageID #:852 'respected him. He n~w has myriad medical issues and he should be with his family and not in the medical division of a correctional institution. Thank you very much for reading this letter and for your consideration. Sl cerely ~shu~:. ; :b~ Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-3 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 1 of 4 PageID #:853 Exhibit 3 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-3 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 2 of 4 PageID #:854 r· i I Ethan A. Hastert , ......., . . . Redacted e'".'!r"!"' ~ • .,..,..._ ...... ..... r • • L--·--~-·~------ - --- - ---- --- --- March 2, 2016 The Honorable Thomas M. Durkin Everett McKinley Dirksen United States Courthouse 219 South Dearborn Street Chicago, IL 60604 Dear Judge Durkin: I am writing in support of my father, J. Dennis Hastert. To be sure, criminal proceedings take a toll on all defendants, their friends, and their families. However, here, the defendant is a man who has devoted nearly his entire life to serving his community and family. Most who know him (professionally or personally), know him as an honest, hard working, approachable, public servant, and loving husband and father. I believe many of the people who have known my father best over the years were shocked, like me, to learn of these allegations and the resulting plea. That is, perhaps, because we know my father as the man who has done so many wonderful things for so many. My father has always been a role model to me, and many of the important lessons that I have learned in life, I learned from him. He taught me humility by living a humble life. He was never one to get caught up in the trappings of his position in government. Even as Speaker, you were just as likely to see him at the coffee shop in town as you were to see him on the Sunday morning talk shows. My father worked a lot as I was growing up and was often away from home. However, our home, as my father has always been fond of saying, was on the Fox River, not the Potomac River. To me, that was more of a life lesson than a geography lesson. It was his way of saying that you should never take yourself too seriously, never forget where you came from, and never forget the people who helped you along the way. He certainly didn't. Despite not being able to be home every night during the week, my father was there when he was needed most. He never missed a little league or high school football game. He was there to take me on college visits and he was never too busy to take me fishing, rain or shine. A couple of times a year, he would get tickets to the Chicago Auto Show or a Cubs, Sox or Bulls game. Rather than use them for himself and his friends, he would let me invite four or five of my friends and he would take us all to the game and for burgers or pizza afterward. Now, as a father myself-also with a career that demands a lot of my time-I can truly appreciate and admire the way he made time for me. Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-3 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 3 of 4 PageID #:855 March 2, 2016 Page2 After college, I took a job in Washington D.C. and got to spend a lot more time with my father. To save money, I slept on the couch at the house he kept in Washington. With his having been away much of the time growing up, it was a wonderful opportunity to see the other part of his life. And, it was during those couple of years that I saw firsthand my father's devotion to this country. For instance, I was with him for most of the day on September 11, 2001. I saw him work with the other leaders in the House and those in the Senate to secure the safety of those who worked on Capitol Hill. I also saw him fight the proclivities of others to politicize the 2001 anthrax attacks rather than focus on the safety of those who worked on Capitol Hill. After he retired from Congress, my father still gave selflessly of himself, including teaching classes at local colleges. On a couple of occasions, I joined him to help teach some of those classes. One was a class on government and my father would bring in guest lecturers from various areas of federal, state and local governments. I was invited having served on my local village board. It was interesting to talk to the students afterward, because almost all of them told me how grateful they were for the time and effort that my father put into those classes-for nothing more than the pleasure of doing it. There are many examples like that. For instance, not too long ago, he drove out to a small town not too far from Rochelle, Illinois to give a flag to a young man who had recently graduated from Wheaton College and was joining the military. My father, having heard of his decision, had a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol on the day he accepted his commission. He drove out to the young man's home to present him with the flag and to thank him for his decision to serve his country. Indeed, my father has spent his life doing things for other people that he had no expectation of getting anything for in return. Perhaps that is why this past year has been so difficult for him. Irrespective of the sentence he receives from this court, it cannot compare to the devastation my father has already experienced. Given enough time and if his health permits, I believe he still has a lot of good left he can do, and he certainly is not in any position to commit any other illegal activity. Many of my father's closest friends and family stand by him and will continue to do so. Surely, like me, they remember all of the good he has done for them, our communities, and this country. Many others will remember him only for this chapter in his life. They will ignore the good he has done. Please, as you consider his sentence, keep the charges in perspective as compared to all the good my father has done in his life. I also ask that you consider my father's failing health. The events of the past several months have been ruinous in many ways but perhaps most so on my father's health. Since his plea, his heath has deteriorated significantly. He requires near-round-the-clock care and seldom travels away from his home except for medical appointments. It is possible that his health will improve in the near future (indeed, I hope and expect that it will), but at this point he has made little progress along his road to recovery. Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-3 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 4 of 4 PageID #:856 March 2, 2016 Page 3 Finally, I want you to know that my four children have grown especially close to my father. They enjoy spending time with him at his house and they especially look forward to spending time with him at our cabin in Wisconsin during the summer. They would be heart broken if that were taken away from them. Because of all the good my father has done in his life and because of the impact that this has had on us as a family and on my father's health, I ask that you impose a sentence of probation. 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"'71NI.(J~ l <;. 7 l./ r..yu>_ • J \ . ; S: I! A l4 \<; Vl.. al d <> >"! .f.t,·~ \ ~ \ w \A.,· c; ~l9.,~ ( \-\ o \.J t.....~ ~ o.....""\-'-'.~ 1......,¢) 7'll. lA f>S. {_ 1.v Hie 1o.. » w' fL "[ -\- ~ez_'>~ L~k~!) a?~~ '-'fe>tO ~~ ~ 8z L sste C.oo.,.Jc-'-1 -is e115Cl., \o"t .~ ~JDL1Z. > Lc)~o o~~ +d) k:~U \:.M. "'c\:-\"'Z.. ~~ e~ ~(~~~on \.V~....;- \..,., 'osi4' c_ \A.~ .-as..p ~~ -t- ""-) ' ~~t-O ~ ~ 1i w>\. •._ t.J \\ ..o~ ~ ~ , c A~~-\;- '-1..: ~9 -\-t:> [)4? w t"" \t,: W\ L.. c5: t <. 09mm? Hpm?voowpm 00832; mm.# 369 o?mm?m nmom 2 3620 #me ivt. 4.3.0 mka: HEM $90595. n1. wan?To (rue?x at $9 {:31 43 farm? i. ?nrxf?r?nxes {if-unto Saul. (Storrl?ez (3mm. EJPJ. ?f?armsuVAanm #5 Air.? f?,otns E+n?m .NGR. or. $3 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-5 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 1 of 2 PageID #:860 Exhibit 5 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-5 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 2 of 2 PageID #:861 Judge Durkin, Denny Hastert is my oldest brother, being twelve years my senior. My earliest memories are of Denny dropping me off at first grade, before going to his senior year of high school. Growing up, Denny always was busy it seems, working, school, and various summer projects with the YMCA, teaching and coaching. Over the years I have helped with Denny's campaigns, when I could. Distributing literature, putting up signs, and driving him to events. The ground swell of support for him was amazing. People talked to him about their concerns and problems. Denny always did what he could to help and followed through with what he said. I have lived in a few areas of the country. I have taught school, sold groceries and furnaces, and ran restaurants. When people note my name and connect me with Denny, it has always been positive . People are proud of him for what he has done for the area he represented and his country. I am very proud of everything he has done for his country and family. Please consider his years of service in your decision. SincerelY, ((r·,> flttsfc_+ Chris Hastert Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-6 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 1 of 3 PageID #:862 Exhibit 6 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-6 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 2 of 3 PageID #:863 I February 20, 2016 The Honorable Thomas M Durkin United States District Judge Everett McKinley Dirksen United States Courthouse 219 South Dearborn Chicago, IL 60604 r·-· .......- . . --.---..-·-----·-· ·-·----.. . -...-.--.._...-. ~ i I Redacted t L _ _ ______ _____ __ ____ _j• 1I Dear Judge Durkin: I am writing this letter in support of Denny Hastert as he appears before you for sentencing. I have been a friend of Denny's for about 50 years. I first knew Denny because of our mutual love for amateur wrestling. I was national champion, and Denny coached a state championship team about the same time. I went to the University of Virginia law school back in the '70s and have enjoyed working in every area of law including prosecution, defense and civil litigation. I am now semi-retired, spending most of my time helping peace officers to understand the Constitution. Back in the '90s Denny asked me to work with him in Washington and advise him on legal issues as he was not an attorney. I was happy to do that. I served him and several committees as investigative counsel for about three years. During my professional career I have been involved in many legal and political situations that were very contentious. Washington was worse than any I ever imagined. This is where Denny comes in. Although Congress created (and creates) an atmosphere that is way beyond acrimonious and petty, I never knew one person in Congress who did not hold Denny Hastert in the highest regard for his ability to rise above the pettiness and to treat everyone with dignity. I would venture to say that most considered him a friend. That is why it is so easy to understand why his colleagues voted him Speaker of the House. He got along with everybody. I believe that no one in Congress would ever think Denny would do anything immoral, unethical or wrong . Virtually every member of Congress who was interviewed by the media about this criminal proceeding was shocked that he would be involved in anything involving moral turpitude. I would be amazed if you were to receive a bad word about Denny from any Congress-person. I got to know Denny much better, as his confidant, while I was working for Congress. During the three years I was on the Hill I never heard one word out of his mouth that was untoward. And I would swear on the Bible that I never saw him do one thing that was unethical or immoraL In fact, I was always impressed by his character and kindness in his personal life. I don't want to overstate this , but I want to say in this regard , by illustration, that Denny treated everyone he encountered the same, with dignity. The janitors who cleaned his office were always treated exactly the same as his colleagues -friendly and with great respect. That quality and his kindness always impressed me, as to me, those traits were the marks of a good person. , Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-6 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 3 of 3 PageID #:864 In closing, I would ask you to look into your heart and have mercy. Everyone has done wrong. I think Denny has been aptly punished for whatever he has done wrong . Recently, there were rumors that Denny was even on his death bed. This prosecution has had a hard and heavy effect on his life and will haunt him in one way or another till the day he dies. Thank you for your consideration of my appeal for mercy and those of the many others who also care for, and about, Denny. Sincerely, Dale Anderson Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-7 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 1 of 2 PageID #:865 Exhibit 7 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-7 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 2 of 2 PageID #:866 14 February 2016 The Honorable Thomas M. Durkin Everett McKinley Dirksen United States Courthouse 219 South Dearborn Street Chicago, Illinois 60604 RE: J. Dennis Hastert Dear Judge Durkin: I am writing to ask that whatever discretion you have in sentencing J. Dennis Hastert be informed by a recognition of his many positive acts -- and by the compassion in your heart. I worked for "Denny" as a staffer, both in Springfield and in Washington, DC beginning over 30 years ago. When we met, I ran a State legislative study commission, and he was a junior member of the minority party in the House. But he was very well-liked by members of both parties, and soon became the chairman of that commission. We were charged to "re-write" the Illinois Public Utilities Act in 1984. And within a year, Denny's concern for consumers combined with his political leadership skill led to enactment of nationally recognized policies. Perhaps more importantly during his Springfield years, Denny handled the Governor's budget in the House. As I'm sure you can imagine, or know from your brother, this is a very complex task that requires skillful compromise. But one thing Denny didn't sacrifice in those compromises was the programs to help families -- a superior quality I've always admired in him. After Denny became a US Congressman, he brought me to DC on several projects, including a search for improved access to health and medical care services. The only guidance he gave me was to be honest to the values we shared, despite our political differences, for the betterment of ordinary people, like his mother and mine. My work with Congressman Hastert ended when he became the Speaker. But our friendship didn't end. Like so many of his friends, I was surprised and heart-sick when the news about his recent problems emerged. It is a shame that his many contributions have been overshadowed at this time in his life. Thank you very much for considering my note. Gregory K Busch Oak Park, Illinois 60302 gregory.k.busch@gmail.com Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-8 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 1 of 2 PageID #:867 Exhibit 8 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-8 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 2 of 2 PageID #:868 Mike Chapman r---------------------------------------------------------:I !Redacted _______________________________________________ j February 20, 2016 To U.S. District Judge Thomas Durkin: This letter is in regard to Mr. Dennis Hastert, who r have known for nearly thirty years, dating back to 1988 when I was named executive editor of The Telegraph newspaper in Dixon, Illinois. Dennis was our district congressman and he came to my office for an introductory meeting. Over the ensuing years, I feel I got to know Dennis Hastert very well. We had numerous meetings about a variety of topics, including our mutual love for wrestling. My son, Jason, served as a page for Congressman Hastert in the summer of 1996 and later worked as an intern for him, and then in 2002 was hired as a fulltime assistant in the Speaker's Washington D.C. office. Jason now works for the Republican caucus in Des Moines, Iowa. He greatly respects the former speaker and feels it is, to a large degree, that association which caused Jason to embark upon a career in the world of politics. In 2002, I retired from a 35-year newspaper career, my last position being publisher of the daily newspaper in Newton, Iowa, a paper in the Shaw Newspaper chain headquartered in Dixon. I am now an author with 28 published books to my credit, and I have met a number of outstanding people during that time. I rate Dennis Hastert among the finest men I have known. Our entire family has had a wonderful relationship with Dennis Hastert for over two decades. He has been a stalwart in defending many of the principles that have made this country great and he has played a very positive role in the lives of many students and associates. It is my fondest hope that the court will look upon his long, outstanding career when it comes time to judge him. With deepest respect, I am sincerely your~ /JA ~ Mike Chapman Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-9 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 1 of 2 PageID #:869 Exhibit 9 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-9 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 2 of 2 PageID #:870 W ELDBEND CoRPORATION 6600 SOUTH HARLEM AVENUE • ARGO, IL 601501·1930 February 19,2016 PHONES 773 - 1182 - 31100 708 - 1194 - 1700 FAX 773 • 1182 • 7821 708 • 4118 • 0108 The Honorable Thomas M. Durkin Dear Honorable Judge Durkin: My name is James Coulas. I run a family business on the south side of Chicago that my parents started a little over 65 years ago {about my age}. Along with me, my two older sisters work at the family company, as well as my wife, my two sons, one daughter and one nephew. I tell you this to give you a little bit of a background that I come from a family that cherishes the family tradition. I am writing you today with deep understanding of the seriousness of the charges against Dennis Hastert. I have known Mr. Hastert for a relatively short number of years, starting in about 2002. I have dealt with Denny on both professional and personal levels and in all our dealings I have never known any other politician to be any more upright, professional, honest and a man of his word. I have known Mr. Hastert more in a personal and family relationship than any professional dealings I have had with the Speaker. I have seen how he interacts with his children, with his wife and other people, and as they say, "what you see is what you get." He has always shown the utmost courtesy to everyone he meets and always takes time for talking with people. Just as everyone who has heard the charges, I was most shocked, and as I get older, I understand that you do things in your younger life that you would like to take back, but as we know, that cannot be done. That is what the term "growing up and getting older and wiser" means. I am not making any excuses for Denny. He shouldn't have lied to the Feds, but I am sure he felt he was being pushed into a corner with no way out. As I have said in the beginning, I am a family man running a family business with my family, and there is nobody that I would trust with my family more than Denny Hastert. In your sentencing, please take into consideration all the good things that Mr. Hastert has done for not only the people of Illinois, but the people of our country, and forgive him for the lapse of judgement that he d when talking to the Feds. James J. Coulas, Jr. Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-10 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 1 of 2 PageID #:871 Exhibit 10 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-10 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 2 of 2 PageID #:872 To the Honorable Thomas M. Durkin: My name is Thomas D. Delay. I served for 22 years in the U.S. House of Representatives. When the Republicans took the majority in 1995, I was elected by my colleagues to be the Majority Whip. Dennis Hastert was appointed by me to serve as Chief Deputy Whip, essentially my right hand man. I have known Dennis Hastert for almost30 years, and I have worked side by side him for 12 years. I have observed him in many different and difficult situations. He has never disappointed me In any way. He is a man of strong faith that guides him. He is a man of great integrity. He loves and respects his fellow man. I have never witnessed a time when he was unkind to anyone. He is always giving to others and helping anyone including me so many times. When Speaker Hastert became Speaker of the house and I became Majority leader, he started a bible study every Wednesday at lunch. It was just me and him and Charlie Wright (a pastor). It was a very personal time for the three of us. We held each other accountable and we studied God's word and applied it to where we were at that moment. Nothing could have been more Intimate between us. So I know his heart and have seen it up close and personal. We all have our flaws, but Dennis Hastert has very few. He is a good man that loves the lord. He gets his integrity and values from Him. He doesn't deserve what he is going through. I ask that you consider the man that is before you and give him leniency where you can. Thank you. Sincerely, Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-11 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 1 of 2 PageID #:873 Exhibit 11 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-11 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 2 of 2 PageID #:874 The Honorable Thomas M. Durkin 2/20/2016 My friendship with Dennis Hastert began when our parallel courses in wrestling intersected in the early 70's. Denny was involved with the National Coaches Congress as a volunteer and was elected president of that organization . I was working as a volunteer with the United States Wrestling Federation as the State Chairperson of Illinois. Both were national organizations that had nothing to do with our personal high school teams but worked for and with coaches and wrestlers in the promotion of wrestling state wide and nationally. Our organizations both promoted the values and benefits of wrestling and worked to better prepare athletes of all ages to compete in the international styles of wrestling. The importance of this background is that Denny worked beyond his own team and personal recognition for the good of the sport and the benefits it taught the young men. This is the Denny Hastert I know, a man who cares more about others than his own personal gain. Coach Hastert was a positive influence in the lives of hundreds of young men as a coach , an administrator and a teacher helping many individuals reach their goals in wrestling and , more importantly, in life. Coach Hastert and I traveled to many tournaments and also administered many tournaments with the goal in mind of making them a good experience for wrestlers, coaches, parents and fans. I do not remember any time that Denny outwardly criticized an official or berated an opponent. He was the model of sportsmanship and professionalism. I remember him congratulating the opponent of one of his wrestlers after he won and the wrestler commented , "I wish my coach was like that". My purpose in writing this letter is to express to you the depth of caring that this man has had for the youth of our country. Leniency in his sentencing is deserved. Theodore J. DeRousse Jr. .--·-' I I ' R&d acted L-------·- - - - -- ---------- - - --- ·-- ---.I I ------·- --- - - - ___] Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-12 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 1 of 3 PageID #:875 Exhibit 12 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-12 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 2 of 3 PageID #:876 The Honorable Thomas M. Durkin United States District Judge United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois May it please Your Honor and this Honorable Court: It is with great sense of urgency, heartfelt dedication and deepest respect that I humbly submit this communication to Your Honor and this Honorable Court upon the behalf of John Dennis Hastert. Knowing Denny Hastert in-excess of thirty-five years, and being in near-daily contact with him throughout all of his service in public life, I have experienced at first hand, both publicly and privately, the depth of sincerest dedication to constituents, to community, to country that comes from the very core of a gentle, good, and humble man. Across all the decades of my association with a man whom I was proud to support, through my advice, encouragement, hard work, as well as constructive criticism, I saw a gentleman in Denny Hastert whose very personal motivation was to make government an honest, impartial servant of its people - and bring strength to the voices of those whom otherwise would have gone unheard. I saw a man who truly cared, and I saw a man who in his heart was not in politics to be somebody. He was in politics to make a difference, and to do the right thing. The circumstances which have brought Denny Hastert before this Honorable Court have with them brought harm of seemingly irreparable magnitude, not only to him, but pointedly to his devoted Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-12 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 3 of 3 PageID #:877 wife, his children, an extended family, life-long friends, and those who held admiration for his decades of honorable service as their voice in government. The deeply intense, personal nightmare of a mistake, its aftermath, and its portent for the future, delivers ever-present retribution that drips upon the heart and forever pains the spirit of a transgressor with a conscience - who now has arrived at clear vision of the wrong that was done, and breathes unyielding remorse for any variance taken outside what is right, what is just. Denny Hastert shall live each day of those remaining with the anguish brought by action that should not have been taken. It is my prayer that Your Honor, and this Honorable Court, while holding him accountable, will rule to allow him to remain in the continual presence of his family, those who deeply love him, that he and they together may progress towards healing, spending remaining days in reverence of God's Grace and the power of redemption. With utmost respect, ~J.IJ~ Therese DesCoteaux I' !L------- --edacted ---··-·- -· • February 24, 2016 • • ( i Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-13 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 1 of 2 PageID #:878 Exhibit 13 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-13 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 2 of 2 PageID #:879 The Honorable Thomas M. Durkin United States District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois Your Honor: My name is John A. DeWolfe. For thirty one years I worked for the United States Capitol Police, and, for eight of those years I was the Agent-in-Charge of Speaker-of-the- House, Dennis Hastert's protection detail. In that capacity I traveled throughout the country with the Speaker and observed him interacting with Presidents, Kings, Queens, heads of states and other world leaders. However, more than anything else, he enjoyed returning to his home town and just being Denny. I do not want to talk about his many accomplishments as Speaker (others will speak to that). I would rather tell you what I have observed first hand, the little things that the public and his colleagues would never know. When he would return home he wanted his life to be as normal as possible. If he had his way, his protection detail would stay in Washington. Much to his regret, that was not possible. When at home he loved to run errands such as visiting the local Walmart to pick up a few items. Invariably it would turn into a four hour event as he loved to talk with and listen to everyone he would meet along the way. He may not have been able to solve their individual problems but they were always grateful that he took the time to listen to them. This would occur everywhere he went. At these times, you would never know he was the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United States. Before he became Speaker, he had his phone number and address published in the local phone book, and he would answer the phone himself and talk to anyone. Due to the increase in phone calls from people calling from all over the country (at all hours), we, the Capitol Police made him change his phone number and have it unlisted. He didn't appreciate the fact that we had to limit this one avenue of direct access to his constituents. He wanted them to know he was always available to them. On 9-11 , while at the undisclosed location, I observed him bring the House and Senate Leadership together in a way I have never seen before. He never cared if he got credit for his accomplishments, only that the job got done. After 9-11, he visited ground zero, unannounced, at night and w ithout the press or fanfare so he would not take away f rom the recovery mission. He would often go to Bethesda Naval Hospital and visit the wounded Marines and Sailors who were returning f rom the battlefields in Iraq. After these visits he was even more determined to make sure the men and women who serve this country got the resources necessary to do their jobs and the means to support their families. He would walk the inner city streets with Members who represented those districts and commit to helping them fund their much needed projects. He would listen to everyone. If he would ask Members from his own party to support a bill that that was important for his party, and if they would tell them it wasn't right for their District, he would encourage them to represent the interest of their district even if would prevent passage. He truly believed in what Tip O'Neil famously said that "all politics is local". Even if he could not get the support he wanted from certain colleagues, he would still go into their districts to campaign for them. One day in 1998, the Speaker's w ife was in his Capitol Office inside the suites of Congressman Delay when a gunman came in and starting shooting. The Detective assigned to Congressman Delay told her to get under the desk and moments later that same detective lost his life in the exchange of gunfire. Speaker Hastert has always had the greatest respect for law enforcement. He has always been so supportive and appreciative of the job that they do. Wherever he traveled in this country, he would never leave an event without personally thanking each law enforcement person who helped support the Capitol Police. This is why I was so surprised to learn that he had been charged with lying to the FBI, it's not the Denny I knew. I cannot comment on the specific charges, all I ask is when sentencing Speaker Hastert you take into account all the good he has done for his community and for his country. I truly appreciate this opportunity to offer these personal observations of the character and good works of Speaker Hastert. He was wonderful to work with. I am very fond of him. (i;t·a & J~ 1/'J~hn A. DeWolfe Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-14 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 1 of 3 PageID #:880 Exhibit 14 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-14 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 2 of 3 PageID #:881 i;~~ '!~·l'f ~~,!!" .~~$~? J OHN T. DooLITTLE Member of Congress (1991-2009) February 24, 2016 The Honorable Thomas M. Durkin United States District Court Judge Dear Judge Durkin: Subject: Sentencing of Hon. J. Dennis Hastert I first met Mr. Hastert in late 1990 after the November elections at which I had been elected to office as a United States Representative from Ca lifornia. It was following the 1994 election, however, when Rep. Tom Delay became Majority Whip and Denny Hastert became Chief Deputy Whip and I became one of approximately seventeen Deputy Whips that we became much better acquainted as we worked together every week that the House was in session, having two meetings per week with the Deputy Whips and then separately with all the Deputy and Assistant Whips (which were approximately 65 in number). The Deputy Whip meeting typically lasted one and one-half- two hours during which we all spoke frankly as we reviewed the items due to come up in the House for that week and the actions that needed to be taken in order to assure passage off the floor of the House for the legislative items due to be considered. These meetings went on over a four-year period through the end of 1998. In January, 1999, J. Dennis Hastert was elected Speaker to succeed Newt Gingrich. Following the November election in 2002, I was elected Secretary of the House Republican Conference, the sixth ranking Republican position in the House. In this capacity I had weekly leadership meetings (lasting one and one-half- two hours) with the Speaker and the other elected leaders and some appointed leaders. I continued in this position through the end of 2006. In January 2007, the Democrat Party became the majority party in the House and Rep. Nancy Pelosi replaced Denny Hastert as Speaker. During my interactions with Denny Hastert I found him to be a man of integrity and widely respected by all members of the House. He was often referred to as, "Coach" and was a Member's Member, meaning that he looked out for the interests of the institution of the House and for the prerogatives of Members. During his tenure he always made sure that Congress awarded Members their annual cost of living adjustment authorized by statute but required to be adopted each year by Congress by a recorded public vote. Several years went by without this cost of living adjustment during the tenure of his predecessor. For the shrinking group of Members who were not independently wealthy such as myself, we especially appreciated his concern for us and for the institution. In all my interactions with him, Denny Hastert was humble and treated people fairly and with respect. He was a graduate of Wheaton College and .-1 ------ --·--- L _________________ -----------. ' --------~~~'aet~d ____________________________i Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-14 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 3 of 3 PageID #:882 The Honorable Thomas M Durkin United States District Court Judge Page 2 of 2 reflected the Christian values of that institution in all my observations. I always admired him for his down-to-earth manner and style of leadership. I always believed him to be a man of high moral character and one in whom I had a high level of trust. During the time that I served with him I never saw anything or knew of anything to counteract these impressions. My wife, Julie, and I were invited by Speaker Hastert to take an official trip to South America with the Speaker and his wife, Jean, and several other Representatives and their wives and some staff members. I also had the opportunity to meet his son, Ethan, during these years. They were a great family with strong family values, and we felt grateful to enjoy their friendship. Given the conviction, which has occurred I would hope that the many good things that he did and the strong character traits that he repeatedly exhibited over a long period of years and his faithful service to the people of Illinois both as a state representative and as a United States Representative might be taken into account as you decide what sentence to impose. Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-15 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 1 of 2 PageID #:883 Exhibit 15 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-15 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 2 of 2 PageID #:884 From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: David Dreier Malhotra, Geeta tom gehring; Brad D Schwartz; Markharmsen@earthlink.net Dennis Hastert Thursday, February 18, 2016 10:48:28 AM Dear Judge Durkin: Thank you for reading my letter. I write to tell you that Dennis Hastert is one of the most dedicated and hard working public servants I've known. I met him three decades ago when he joined me in the Congress. We became friends, in part, because my sister and brother in law were constituents of Denny's. Over the years he and Jean welcomed us into their home. When Denny became Speaker I was privileged to serve as Chairman of the House Rules Committee, the traffic cop for virtually all legislation as it moved to the floor of Congress. During those years our friendship grew and I gained even more respect for him. More than a decade ago we established the House Democracy Partnership which has worked to strengthen legislative bodies in new and reemerging democracies across the globe. It's an important part of his long list of accomplishments. Colombia was one of our partner countries. His efforts to transform that country are widely recognized. While Denny always worked hard, he has had serious health problems with which you are certainly familiar. Dennis Hastert is my friend and he has done many great things for countless individuals and our nation. Thank you for taking these things into consideration as you proceed with your deliberations. Thank you, too, for your public service. Respectfully, David Dreier Member of Congress 1981-2013 Typos courtesy of my iPhone thumb Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-16 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 1 of 2 PageID #:885 Exhibit 16 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-16 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 2 of 2 PageID #:886 Thomas W. Ewing 1647 Mockingbird Lane Pontiac, IL 61764 The Honorable Judge Thomas M. Durkin U.S. District Judge Everett McKinley Dirksen United States Courthouse 219 South Dearborn Street Chicago, IL 60604 February 19, 2016 Dear Judge Durkin: I appreciate the opportunity to communicate with you about the Honorable Dennis Hastert. I was a member of the Illinois Bar for 46 years with most of my practice in Livingston County, Illinois. During that time I served 17½ years in the Illinois House of Representatives and 9½ years as Congressman from Illinois’ 15th District, most of that time serving with Denny Hastert. In addition, both in Springfield and in Washington, DC, we shared living quarters during the legislative sessions. I think most of our colleagues would say Denny and I were the closest of friends. I promoted him for Speaker of the U.S. House and he provided me with a special office in the Speaker’s quarters of the U.S. Capitol. Denny Hastert’s rise to prominence started in the Illinois House where he took on chairmanship of the committee to rewrite the Illinois Public Utilities Act, a job most seasoned legislative leaders shied away from. Denny was a master of bringing diverse sides together on an issue to achieve a compromise which would serve the public and our state. He brought this same talent to his expanded duties as a U.S. Congressman, as Chief Deputy Whip, and as Speaker of the U.S. House. With his achievements during his record-setting years as Speaker, he ranked with the greatest of our former Speakers, bar none. Denny Hastert and I were as close as brothers, sharing our goals, ambitions, and our family life, both the ups and the downs. I know him as a man of faith, integrity and honesty. He was an extremely hard worker, always willing to extend a helping hand to others. In closing, let me say that I can think of nothing more devastating to my friend than the current cause of action before your court. He cherished his reputation and legacy but even more he mourns the suffering and trauma it has caused his wife Jean, and their two sons, Joshua and Ethan. Thank you for the consideration of my remarks. Thomas W. Ewing U.S. Congressman (IL-15), Retired Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-17 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 1 of 2 PageID #:887 Exhibit 17 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-17 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 2 of 2 PageID #:888 MAYER • BROWN Mayer Brown LLP 71 South Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois 60606-4637 Main Tel +1 312 782 0600 Main Fax +1 312 701 7711 March 8, 2016 www.mayerbrown.com Tyrone C. Fahner The Honorable Thomas M. Durkin United States District Court Northern District of Illinois Everett McKinley Dirksen United States Courthouse 219 South Dearborn Street Chicago, Illinois 60604 Direct Tel +1 312 701 7062 Direct Fax +1 312 706 8622 tfahner@mayerbrown.com Re: J. Dennis Hastert DearJu~ I have known Denny Hastert for more than 30 years. We have been social friends as well as political friends and allies. I have supported him in each of his campaigns for Congress. I admire him for his strong and principled leadership of our country, both before and after 9/11. He served as the longest serving Republican Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and did so with decency, strength and honor. He was, and is, widely admitted by the members and leaders of both political parties with whom he has served. Without respect to whatever actions brought him before the Court, I urge the Court to consider them in the context of the rest of his life, and, in particular, what he has done for our Country and for each of us in unselfish and dedicated service. Whatever conduct is alleged, I know Denny as a kind, strong, principled, and unselfish man. I urge the Court to permit him to live the rest of his life in freedom with his family and friends, and all of those who love and admire him. I wish to be counted among them. Best regards, TCF/gaf Mayer Brown LLP operates in combination with other Mayer Brown entities (the 'Mayer Brown Practices"), which have offices in North America, Europe and Asia and are associated with Tauil & Chequer Advogados, a Brazilian law partnership. Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-18 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 1 of 2 PageID #:889 Exhibit 18 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-18 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 2 of 2 PageID #:890 March 15, 2016 The Honorable Thomas Durkin Dirksen U.S. Courthouse 219 S. Dearborn St. Chicago, IL 60604 Dear Judge Durkin, I am writing to convey my support for appropriate leniency in the sentencing of J. Dennis Hastert. I had the pleasure of working for and with Denny for six years, first as his campaign manager and later as a consultant after he left public service. My extended family had also gotten to know Denny socially, so I had the opportunity to know him in professional and social environments over a number of years. In all situations, he was kind, respectful, honest and genuinely interested in others. It was no accident that the people of his congressional district didn't call him "Speaker Hastert," they called him "Denny". As I traveled with him throughout his district, I learned why that was true. He genuinely took interest in the lives of the people he met in the communities of the 141h District and he worked to help them. He really represented their interests in Washington because he was one of them and that' s who he wanted to be. Denny always treated his team with respect and professionalism, but also fostered a sense of family among the staff. When the district staff team was in DC, he took us out to dinner. He hosted gatherings at his house for our families, even driving the tractor for the family hayride through the property. We were proud to work for the Speaker of the House, but we were loyal to Denny because he earned our respect and admiration. The leadership of his organization reflected the values he embodied- humility, respect for others, hard work That's why when reports of the alleged wrongdoing came to light, it was a complete and utter shock. It runs so counter to the man for whom we worked. While he may have done wrong, Denny Hastert has done so much good for his nation, his state and his community. My experience says that he did this because he genuinely cared about his neighbor and embodied the calling he gave his life to- public service. Thank you for your consideration of these thoughts as you make your important decision. ,··--· ·-· __......._ ........... I -·-·-· --- ·-( Redacted 1 L------ --- ----- ------ - - Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-19 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 1 of 2 PageID #:891 Exhibit 19 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-19 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 2 of 2 PageID #:892 TO: The Honorable Thomas M. Durkin FROM: Gary D. Goines Dear Honorable Thomas M. Durkin: I am writing this letter of support for the Former Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert. I am a retired U.S. Capitol Police Supervisory Special Agent and was assigned to the protection detail of Speaker Hastert for over six years . Speaker Hastert has always displayed an exemplary character with his staff and protection detail. Speaker Hastert has always carried himself in a professional manner and showed respect for all individuals he encountered. He is a family man and always displayed love for his family. Speaker Hastert would travel home every weekend just to spend quality time with his family and constituents. Speaker Hastert and his staff always went above and beyond in assisting others. He had a full staff in his district office that handled community concems and issues. Speaker Hastert was always very active and respected in his hometown and in the community. I remember once in Sacramento, CA in which Speaker Hastert participated in a Habitat for Humanity event. This event was scheduled at night in one of the highest crime areas of Sacramento, but Speaker Hastert felt a commitment to participate in this community service event. It is an honor to give a brief character reflection of the former Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert. Sincerely, J!vtil~ • Gary D. Goines Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-20 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 1 of 5 PageID #:893 Exhibit 20 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-20 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 2 of 5 PageID #:894 Porter J. Goss February 13. 2016 Hon . Thomas M . Durkin United States District Judge Northern District of Illinois Everett McKinley Dirksen Courthouse 219 South Dearborn Street Chicago, Illinois 60604 Re: John Dennis Hastert Dear Judge Durkin: I write in support of J. Dennis Hastert, former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. As a new Member of Congress in 1988, I first met Rep. Hastert and we soon became friendly colleagues working on legislation of common interest, notably health care. He helped show me the ropes and provided sound guidance which I relied on throughout my 16 year Congressional career. His hallmark was solving problems, as opposed to noting them, and he early on earned the respect of colleagues for his Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-20 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 3 of 5 PageID #:895 affable and effective working style. The manifestation of that respect led to his elevation to the Speakership of the House of Representatives in a spontaneous outpouring of support as THE Member who could lead the House out of its troubles at a dramatic time of leadership turmoil. He subsequently became the longest serving GOP Speaker of the House. On the dreadful day of 9/11/2001, I was at the Speaker's side much of the time. As Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, I advised him on developments as best I could, but certainly there were many more questions confronting us than answers. For starters, evacuation of the Capitol was an urgency. The Speaker's calmness, steady confidence and quick comprehension of the magnitude of events set the example. Standing in his office looking down the Mall at the smoke and flame coming from the Pentagon, the Speaker quietly replied to me, "yes, we'll leave at once, but I am going to open the House Session so the chaplain can say a prayer." The Record will show that happened even while the hijacked aircraft targeting the Capitol was still in the air. After the frustrations of spending that day at an "undisclosed location" with little useful information on which to base decisions and conclusions, the Speaker led us back to the Capitol to rally our colleagues and the country from the East steps. He led a moving, emotional scene perhaps best remembered for those gathered booming out God Bless America" as a message to all, uwe are here and we aren't leaving". I know it was comforting and reinforcing to a worried and confused America. 11 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-20 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 4 of 5 PageID #:896 In the days, months and years that followed 9/11, the Speaker made changes and took steps that continue to benefit us. In terms of enhanced security, increased transparency and better focus on international matters, he propelled the House into the 21st century. His personal attention to the global war on terror was remarkable; he initiated weekly intelligence briefings for himself and top House leadership and his support brought critical dollars to rebuild our intelligence capabilities. I believe I can fairly speak for the Intelligence Community that we are deeply indebted to Speaker Hastert for his commitment and judgment when it mattered. The contributions the Speaker made through his travels to advance respect for the American flag and prosperity for Brand USA" are numerous. I can attest to meetings from Moscow to Istanbul to Santiago and places in between where he strongly engaged on behalf of United States policy. I also watched him impress and persuade foreign Dignitaries in his Capitol Hill office; he was both teacher of and icon for our form of Democracy. His wisdom in promoting and enabling more global"parliamentary" contacts yields dividends to this day. 11 I left the US House somewhat abruptly in 2004 to serve in the Executive Branch at President Bush's request. The Speaker graciously supported that move even though it meant disruption for the House Intelligence Committee at a sensitive time. Our workday paths parted, but we have remained friends with occasional meeting since. In all the time I have known the Speaker, I have never seen him put his selfinterest ahead of his official responsibilities. Indeed, I believe the job itself has taken a physical toll on him as I recall many days full of vexing problems followed by very-late-night, stressful decision making. Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-20 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 5 of 5 PageID #:897 Perhaps, the Speakers greatest gift to the House was trust. My belief is that Members found him very approachable and took him at his word. I know many viewed him as "Mr .Main Street, America"- a rock solid guy with center of the country values. As a leader, he instinctively navigated through perplexing problems and opinionated personalities by considering all sides. That, coupled with his reputation for integrity, led to a lot of positive outcomes. Sadly, without his good influence today's House of Representatives appears diminished. I forward these thoughts, Your Honor, to affirm that there are those of us who know first hand that J. Dennis Hastert has piled up quite a list of positive achievements as a public official over the years. His hard work and easy manner earned great respect. If these views are appropriate to your deliberations, I wish you to know they are sincere and heartfelt. Most respectfully, 4!? Porter J. Goss Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-21 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 1 of 3 PageID #:898 Exhibit 21 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-21 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 2 of 3 PageID #:899 February 29, 2016 The Honorable Thomas M. Durkin U.S. District Judge United States Courthouse, Clerk's Office 219 South Dearborn Street Chicago, IL 60604 Re: U.S. v. Dennis Hastert, 15 CR 315 Dear Judge Durkin, I am writing to you in regard to the above mentioned case as a life-long friend of J. Dennis Hastert. I was a seventh grader when my family moved to Oswego, Illinois. I came to the small farming town from a city school, and I arrived with an 'edge.' Denny was one of the few people who extended unconditional welcome to me and that was critical in my adjusting to my new culture. He did that for not only me, but other students who came into the rapidly changing community. And then he continued to extend that hospitality to people in need for the rest of his life. It is difficult to understand how someone with his compassion and love for people has arrived at this juncture in his life. His care and enjoyment of people is translated into consistently demonstrated love for his family, his friends, his constituency, his country, and his God. He has been careful to listen and understand the varied people that came into his sphere of influence and quick to defend them. His life pattern has been to choose the 'high ground', standing for truth, compassion, and responsibility. He also was constantly aware of the need to protect his family from the inevitable attacks that some of his policies, endeavors, and accomplishments incurred. That framework of values guided a life of extraordinary accomplishment from teaching and coaching success to State leadership, Congress, and into the Speakership of the U.S. House of Representatives. His life was one of striving for excellence in what he did, achieving uncommon success and recognition by virtue of the fact that at every stage of his life he was pressed into positions of leadership by his colleagues. He served as Captain, as Coach, as President, as Congressman, as Speaker; and in all his endeavors seeking always to serve those he led. The specific success of his endeavors is easily researched. More importantly, in all those endeavors he was respected for bringing people to consensus. Perhaps it was because he was such a good listener. He, in fact, defined his ultimate job in leadership as 'The Listener of the House.' He was known for reaching across the aisle and across borders to bring people together. He did so with enthusiasm and energy. Unfortunately, his energy has been severely challenged in recent times. Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-21 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 3 of 3 PageID #:900 The issues at hand have caused him great angst, regret, and pain. Denny understands his need for, and the source of his forgiveness. Unfortunately, he is also enduring ever increasing physical pain in later years. Chronic health issues are advanced and heart-breaking to someone who has lived their life so effectively. Diabetes, life threatening infection, stroke which has confined him to a wheelchair, and still to be determined results and effects of spinal surgery define his future. In conclusion, I pray for your discernment and ask for compassion for a Great American, my friend, J. Dennis Hastert. Respectfully, :Y~~~ Thomas S. Jarman Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-22 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 1 of 3 PageID #:901 Exhibit 22 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-22 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 2 of 3 PageID #:902 David Kapple r·-··-·-·--·- ··-···-··-·-·-··- ·~--~ i Redacted 1 L___ _____ ---_____________ _______j Honorable Judge Durkin, I respectfully submit this letter on behalf of Dennis Hastert, a man I have known and respected for 45 years as a coach, a teacher, a dedicated civil servant, and most importantly a good family friend. I first met Mr. Hastert in 1971 after an 8th grade gym class. He was there explaining the sport of wrestling to the junior high students, encouraging us to participate in the program when we got to 9th grade. We all wrestled around for awhile and after the class he approached me and asked if he could have a few words. I sat down in the bleachers and for the first time in my life listened to an adult tell me that I had some special talents and if I worked hard and dedicated myself, I could achieve great things. I had very supportive parents but hearing this from someone I had just met really struck a chord. Four years later I was his 4th Illinois State Champion and can honestly say I could not have accomplished it without his endless and unwavering support and encouragement. The time we spent together during those 4 years at practices and travel ing the country attending camps, clinics, and tournaments was considerable. I even mowed his lawn for 2 summers in exchange for him funding my way to wrestling camps. That's the kind of guy he was. He drove dozens of young men and sponsors, thousands of miles every summer in vans with no air conditioning, to the mountains of Colorado, the beaches of Virginia, or the boundary waters of Minnesota. All so that we could experience the opportunities of our lifetimes. He dedicated his life and coaching career to his wrestling teams so that the individuals on that team could better themselves and become responsible adults. Before our matches he would gather the team together for words of encouragement, they always ended with "When you're on the mat, you're in the spotlight so you'd better show everyone your best, win or lose". He was always a calm leader but didn't sidestep confrontation when he thought someone had been subjected to a bad call. He opened doors for me personally that changed my life forever. I didn't have the resources or skills to attend a Divl college but Mr. Hastert knew I wanted to pursue a degree. He somehow found a small engineering college in Golden, Colorado with some scholarships left and encouraged me . to visit. Little did I know that it was one of the most respected engineering schools in the US. I attended the Colorado School of Mines on scholarship and graduated with a degree in Petroleum Engineering. His guidance and mentoring provided me with the pathway to a successfu l career in the oi l and gas business which in turn provided me with the means of putting my own 4 children through college. I was very surprised when Mr. Hastert decided to run for public office in 1980. He was at the peak of his coaching career and could have easily moved on to the college ranks. I took a couple of months off before I started my job and during that time he asked me to chauffer him to many of his first public speaking events so he could practice his speeches en route. After the Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-22 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 3 of 3 PageID #:903 first couple of appearances I asked him why he wanted to make such a drastic change in his life as it would have been seemed easier to stay with coaching. He agreed but felt the needed to make a difference in more peop le's lives and needed a bigger team. His successful career as a civil servant and rise to Speaker of the House is a true testament to his se lflessness and desire to help people. It was never about him, it was about them. This man had a huge impact on my life and I will ever be thankful for his mentorship and guidance. I am certain this setback in his personal life has taken a tremendous toll on himself and his fami ly. I can 't imagine the anguish t hey are experiencing dealing with the potential consequences of his mistakes. Honesty, integrity, and respect were important.traits he taught and believed in, earning this back from family, friends, and constituents will most certainly be his new purpose in life. I respectfully ask that the differences he has made in many of our lives be taken into consideration when making your final decision. Sincerely, 0~~ David Kapple Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-23 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 1 of 2 PageID #:904 Exhibit 23 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-23 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 2 of 2 PageID #:905 Dear Judge Thomas Durkin, I am writing to ask you to be lenient when sentencing J. Dennis Hastert, and also to tell you a little bit about him and the important place he holds in the hearts and minds of the people he served. Denny and I became close when we were seat mates in the Illinois House of Representatives. During that time I learned that he liked a good joke, he and my other seat mate loved to play pranks on me, but I also came to realize that he was a serious minded and hard working man who was skilled in the art of compromise and getting things done. These traits were recognized by his colleagues when he went to Congress and eventually became Speaker. During the time he was in Congress, parts of our legislative districts overlapped and we therefore continued to work together on district problems. Two of our most important accomplishments was forcing the removal of radioactive waste from a site in our district and stopping an unwanted landfill from being built in another part of the area. Because of this joint state and federal cooperation, we were able to solve these and other issues of great importance to our constituents. Dennis Hastert was the best kind of public official. He cared about and listened to his constituents and worked hard to represent their interests. They, in turn, responded with their gratitude and respect . Although he achieved much in his life, he now has lost a great deal especially the one thing that matters most to a man like him, his good name. Further punishment will serve no real purpose, and I ask that you take his years of public service and many accomplishments into account when he is sentenced. Thank you for your consideration. ~. Sincerely~~ Senator Doris C. Karpiel (ret.) Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-24 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 1 of 2 PageID #:906 Exhibit 24 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-24 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 2 of 2 PageID #:907 Monday, February 15, 2016 The Honorable Judge Thomas M. Durkin U.S. District Judge Everett McKinley Dirksen U.S. Courthouse 219 S. Dearborn St. Chicago, IL 60604 Dear Judge Durkin: Please accept this as a letter of support for J. Dennis Hastert. My friendship with Denny Hastert spans decades. As we both reside in Kendall County our paths crossed several times many years ago and we formed a lasting friendship. Because of that I have been able to see him as a man who has spent years working hard to better the lives of those around him. Whether it was working on projects for the people he represented or finding a way to assist individuals in need, he was a tireless force who worked for the betterment of others. Specifically in Kendall County he was instrumental in many projects that not only helped the citizens of the area but contributed to positive growth and economic gain for the area. Denny Hastert is a great man, a great public servant and a great friend. It is my hope you will take to heart my comments and those of others when making a decision regarding his future. Sincerely, Y~k!MtTom Klatt rRedact~ Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-25 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 1 of 2 PageID #:908 Exhibit 25 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-25 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 2 of 2 PageID #:909 THE UNIVERSlT\ OF CHICAGO WRESTLING March 7, 2016 5530 South Ellis Avenue Chicago. Illinois 60637 Telephone: 773-702-46-'ll Fax: - .,.3-702-65 1E-mail: Lkochcr@uchicago.edu Internet: a~hlctics.uchicago.edu Leo Kocher, Head Coach Dear Judge Durkin, I have been the Head Wrestling Coach and an Associate Professor at the University of Chicago for 35 years. I grew up on a farm in Sycamore, Illinois which is in the Congressional District that Denny Hastert served for decades. I participated in wrestling in high school and at Northwestern University where I cocaptained the team, graduated, and also served as an assistant coach. I am writing to testify to the fact that Denny Hastert is an outstanding human being who has made enormous contributions to society- particularly the youth of society- over his lifetime. Denny told me over 10 years ago that his work as a teacher and wrestling coach at Yorkville High School meant much more to him than any accolades he received as an elected government official. I have no doubt that he meant it. Denny and I began to work together when it became apparent that the US Department of Education had created a strong incentive for colleges to eliminate intercollegiate athletic opportunities through its interpretation of Title IX. All of us, including Denny and myself wanted to see athletic opportunities for as many males and females as possible. But special interests had prevailed upon the Department of Education to create a regulatory regime that forced males to clean out their lockers to no real benefit for - and even in detriment to - females. The smart thing to do politically was to not touch this issue- no one benefits from being accused of being anti-female by the well-funded and media savvy feminist groups. But Denny did whatever he could, whether it was prevailing upon the Department of Education to relent in its demand that a male college sports program be dropped (yes that did happen), or encourage a college president to find another way to satisfy the onerous demands of a Dept. of Ed. Bureaucracy that was bearing down hard. He never said no when it came to his being able to help in any way to stem the senseless devastation of non-scholarship sports opportunities. There was no real benefit for an extremely busy Speaker of the US House of Representatives to work on this. But to Denny it was a straight line to serving our country's youth. Fewer college wrestlers meant fewer competent high school coaches, fewer good high school coaches meant that more high school youth some of who desperately needed an activity like interscholastic wrestling- would not be saved by experiencing the transformation that interscholastic sports in general, and wrestling in particular, would create in their lives. Denny was driven in this by pure concern for, and loyalty to, the youth - boys and girls - whose development was at stake. That is the Denny Hastert that I know. And I respect, admire, and love him for who he is. One other thing. When the public storm hit Denny Hastert many who know him - be they from Washington DC, or lllinois farm country, from border to border, and coast to coast- contacted me to express their sympathy and concern for Denny. The most common word used was "heartbreaking". I cannot imagine anyone who truly knows Denny Hastert is not grieving for what he is going through. Denny Hastert is a good man- and is universally regarded as such by those who have gotten to know him. Please know that you can count on that as fact. Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-26 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 1 of 3 PageID #:910 Exhibit 26 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-26 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 2 of 3 PageID #:911 BLANK ROM E LLP COUNSElORS AT lAW Pho11e: Fax : Email: {202) 420-2208 (202) 379-9332 FLowther@Bia11kRome. com February 12, 2016 Hon. Thomas M. Durkin United States District Judge Northern District of Illinois Everett McKinkley Dirksen United States Courthouse 2 19 South Dearborn Street Chicago, IL 60604 J. Dennis Hastert Re: Dear Judge Durkin: This letter is written in support of J. Dennis Hastert, former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. I was instrumental in recruiting Speaker Hastert to my previous law firm, Dickstein Shapiro LLP, in 2008. I had been a partner at Dickstein since 1973. Prior to his joining the firm, I only knew Speaker Hastert by reputation. However, from the time he joined the firm until he departed, I worked closely with him on a wide variety of matters. I came to know him very well, and my respect for him grew every day I had the privilege of working with him. Much of my interaction with the Speaker occurred in the international arena, including Japan and Lithuania - two nations which have honored the Speaker with their highest awards. The respect in which the Speaker was held in those (and other) countries was enormous, and his mere presence commanded attention and praise. As one example of the work we did together, 1825 Eye Street NW Washington, DC 20006-5403 www.BiankRome.com Boca Raton o Cincinnati o Fort Lauderdale o Houston o los Angeles • New York • Philadelphia o Pittsburgh • Princeton • San Francisco • Shanghai • Tampa • Washington • Wilmington Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-26 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 3 of 3 PageID #:912 Hon. Thomas M. Durkin February 12, 20 16 Page2 the Speaker and I traveled together to Japan in 2011 to offer assistance to Japan from U.S. companies in addressing the aftermath of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant disaster. Another example was our trip to Vilnius, Lithuania, to help the Baltic nations find solutions to the overdependence on Russia for energy supplies. Much of my work with the Speaker involved a wide variety of important issues in the United States as well. The Speaker was instrumental in addressing the sudden and unjustified detention of a U.S. citizen in China for alleged sale of State secrets while employed by our U.S. client. The Speaker worked very hard to call attention to regulatory issues slowing the development of large-scale seawater desalination plants in drought-stricken California. The Speaker took up the cause of a minority business enterprise seeking to participate in a Federal auction of broadband space dominated by large telecommunications companies. The variety of matters on which he worked was very wide, and the skill and balanced judgment he showed in his work was consistent with his reputation as a consummate problem solver. In all my years practicing law, I never met a person who could bring people together to solve problems like he could, which was indeed the basis for his selection, and his long and successful tenure, as Speaker of the House. His integrity was unquestioned; his sincerity and honesty evident in all that he did. If the Speaker had a fault, it was his concern for others, more than for himself. In the proceeding which lies ahead for the Speaker in your Courtroom, I would urge you to take into account the truly extraordinary contributions Speaker Hastert has made to this country, to many other countries, and to those who sought his assistance in resolving their problems. DSMDB-3396703 vi Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-27 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 1 of 3 PageID #:913 Exhibit 27 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-27 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 2 of 3 PageID #:914 .. .-- Nancy D. J. Martin 1 ------- ftedacteCI February 22, 2016 i L----···-----------------! To whom it may concern; I am writing this letter in regards to Dennis J. Hastert sentencing hearing . l have known Denny since I became involved in local politics in Kendall County. r had been to many of his fund raisers and would see him around town all during his time in office. I believe he came home most weekends, both from Springfield and Washington, D. C .. I would see him at the grocery store and many times at auctions, we would discuss local issues or maybe why we were at the auction. I was very sad when the news came out about his problem with the FBJ. about the news articles that came out before he had entered his plea. r also was disturbed Most of the things I heard were positive from former students and people who knew him as a teacher and coach. My son-in-law was a former wrestler in Sandwich, lL and he bad been chosen to go down state, he was impressed that Denny had written him a letter congratulating him, as he was from a different school. There was one person that wrote a letter bad mouthing him in our local paper, THE KENDALL COUNTY RECORD. The letter bothered me, so 1 a lso wrote a letter to the paper. r am enclosing a copy of my letter that was published by the paper. I was very pleased that many people called me and even wrote me telling me they were happy about my letter and they felt the same way. Please consider the good things that Dennis J. Hastert has done in his life and let God consider if he is deserving of God's Grace. This bas all been very hard on Denny and on his family and putting him in jail for any amount of time will do nothing to benefit society. Thank you for your consideration. Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-27 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 3 of 3 PageID #:915 - .. Empathy needed To the Editor: I am writing this letter in response to Mr. Michael F. Becker's letter that appeared in the Forum on Dec. IS. I agree that I don't believe that Kendall e County has a "black eye." However I am a little upset that people are so ready to forget some of the good things that we have because of Denny Hastert's time that he served in the House of Representatives. My only experience with Denny was during his time in that office. I think people totally lack empathy for their fellow human beings. Maybe we should remember to not judge others, lest we be judged or only those without sin cast the first stone. If we want to wipe out all the things that a person may have done, maybe we ought to wipe out some of the things that we have benefited from. Take down the Orchard Road bridge, don't worry about a plaque in the old courthouse because it would no longer be there. How about we no longer enjoy the Hoover Forest Preserve for future generations. These are things that I am so familiar with, but I am sure there were things in OeKalb County and Kane County that I know nothing about One thing I know for sure is we all have a wonderful gift that comes from our supreme being, amazing grace. Nancy OJ. Martin Plano Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-28 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 1 of 2 PageID #:916 Exhibit 28 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-28 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 2 of 2 PageID #:917 ~----------- 1 HetJaeteCJ I '-- - --~··-- ! • ··-- ·-·---------·• February 18, 2016 Judge Durkin US Dirksen Court House 219 South Derborn Street Chicago, IL 60604 Dear Sir: I would like to tell you of my feelings regarding Speaker J. Dennis Hastert. I worked for him and beside him for eight years. I had close interaction daily with him and found him very dedicated to all the people he served. His main goal was to make things better for the people of The United States. He was a very patient and understanding person. Most of his life has been serving people. During the time I spent working for Dennis Hastert, I found him very dedicated, honest and patient. He always had time for the person who needed to be heard. He truly cared about our Country and what was taking place. Thank you for your consideration of what he has done with a good part of his life. Sincerely, ~~ t~~lo-t~ Helen B. Morrell Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-29 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 1 of 2 PageID #:918 Exhibit 29 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-29 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 2 of 2 PageID #:919 02/12/2016 Honorable Judge Tom Durkin, This letter is being written as a way to express my feeling of friendship and admiration for Mr. J. Dennis Hastert. I had my first meeting with Mr. Hastert about 15 years ago. The memorable thing was his easy going way for a man of his position. He made me feel at ease from our first meeting. As our business dealing progressed he invited my wife and I to go out to eat. My wife and I were apprehensive as to how this would go. Much to our surprise the Hastert's made us feel as if we had known them forever. This is how our relationship continued to this day. Also out of this first encounter my wife and Mrs. Hastert also developed a very close friendship. Once our business dealing ended our friendship continued to this day. My wife and Mrs. Hastert had the topic of grandchildren to compare. Mr. Hastert and I had a shared love of history which occupied many conversations. He insisted that we take him and Mrs. Hastert to as many of the historic sites as were available in and around the Prairie du Chien, Wi area. Mr. Hastert and I also shared a Luxembourg heritage. Both our great great grandparents immigrated to this country from there. On one occasion Mr. Hastert was asked to give a speech in Berlin, Germany on the anniversary of the lOth year of the 911 tragedy. He invited me along and after the speech we went on our own to Luxembourg as he wanted to show me the home and hometown of his ancestors. I also was able to visit my ancestor's hometown, both on my mothers and fathers side. The reason for telling you this is that we visited numerous places i.e. winery, church, satellite co, walled city of Echternach, etc. It didn't matter where we went everyone knew Mr. Hastert. To me, as I was watching this struck me that nobody but a good and honorable man would have this much attention. To this day my opinion of and feelings for Mr. Hastert have not changed. I pray every day for the health and wellbeing of the Hasterts. My wife and I feel as forever friends of Mr. and Mrs. Hastert. Yours Sincerely, Arnoj9 Mu. ee~ll~er ~1 ~ Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-30 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 1 of 2 PageID #:920 Exhibit 30 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-30 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 2 of 2 PageID #:921 March 5, 2016 To the Honorable Thomas Durkin, I grew up in Japan as a child of missionaries. My father first went to Japan as a Marine and then as a missionary. I spent a good part of my life in Japan. I know that Dennis Hastert is highly regarded in the political arena in Japan. In fact, he received one of the highest awards by the Imperial office for having contributed to the relationship between Japan and the US. He was known as a fantastic go-between that could bring parties together. The other thing I could share is that I wrestled at Wheaton College and my first coach was Coach Olson. Years later I found out that when he passed away in the nursing home the one person that visited him regularly and showed him kindness was Dennis Hastert. I regret that I never made the effort to visit my coach. He is so highly regarded in the Wheaton community that all the circumstances around his life and the publicity must have caused him great pain beyond anything I could imagine. Whatever grace you can give him would mean the world to me, his friend. e~rl:-) Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-31 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 1 of 4 PageID #:922 Exhibit 31 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 ent 96-31 Filed: 04/2116 Page 2 of 4 PageID #:923 a 2'wmm9?? 7" Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-31 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 3 of 4 PageID #:924 (a gi?wlg?w 45%, ?5ng Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-31 Filed: 04/22/15 Page 4 of 4 PageID 1:929, - . mun V125 v56 MCI/jet, . 4% ?64? fb I ?it-t3 W, a Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-32 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 1 of 3 PageID #:926 Exhibit 32 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-32 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 2 of 3 PageID #:927 The Honorabie Judge Thomas M. Durkin United States District Judge Everett McKinley Dirksen Building United States Court House 219 S. Dearborn Street Chicago, IL 60604 March 1, 2016 Judge Durkin, I am writing on behalf of J. Dennis Hastert and his long career in serving the citizens of Yorkville, Illinois, the State of Illinois and the United States of America. I have known Mr. Hastert for the good part of forty seven years, since coming to Yorkville, Illinois in March of 1968 after serving four years in the United States Air Force. My career in law enforcement spanned over four and half decades, as a Yorkville Patrolman to Chief of Police. I was elected Kendall County Sheriff and served seven continuous terms, as well as serving 44 years on the Bristol-Kendall Fire Department. During my t ime as a public servant, I spent much time with Mr. Hastert and his family over these four plus decades which included speaking to his classes at Yorkville High School, regarding "law enforcement and the community." Also respond ing to a serious car accident involving his parents, responding to his home as a firefighter as it was destroyed by fire, getting political advice on preparing a campaign to run as Sheriff, being selected to State and National committees on law enforcement issues mainly drug enforcement and criminal intelligence sharing with iocai, state, Federai and Tribai iaw enforcement agencies. Finaiiy during his position as United States Speaker of the House of Representatives, responsible for him and his family's protection, in Kendall County, with the United States Capitol Police. Words cannot adequateiy describe my utmost respect for Mr. Hastert (as I have called him Denny) for his sincerity of caring for all people he had represented, the integrity which he showed and his devotion for duty in his actions. The responsibilities he had as Speaker of the House were monumental, yet in the mist of his busy schedule he displayed true compassion to all. Denny took time to be a real person by having coffee with hometown friends at the local car body shop before heading out on a grueling schedule of events. He showed concern for the Capitol Police when an Officer was killed and one wounded by a person attacking the U.S. Capitol, by comforting the Officers and families at the hospital, as well attending the funeral. In addition, his response as U.S. Speaker ofthe House after the attack on 9-11, Denny showed the heart of a down to earth mid-westerner, devoted to serving his fellow man by paying tribute to the individuals responsible for downing the plane which was headed for the U.S. Capitol. I have never seen a person with such calmness, compassion, and respect no matter how difficult the situation. Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-32 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 3 of 3 PageID #:928 Denny did not let his powerful position change his character or concern for people as he demonstrated during President Reagan's funeral procession on a blistering hot day by having his people get water distributed to the crowds making sure people were being taken care of. He was concerned that same way for the firefighters when his house burned. I have been blessed to have known and worked with this professional, devoted and courteous man. Along with being a friend, and colleague I consider J. Dennis Hastert a fine example of a public servant. Respectfully, ·Richard A. Randall Retired Kendall County Sheriff Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-33 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 1 of 5 PageID #:929 Exhibit 33 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-33 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 2 of 5 PageID #:930 Fcbru:>l) 18. 20 16 llonorable Tholllrl>om St. Chicago. 11. 60604 lkar Judt~c Durkin. h b "ith gre:u p~un: I om ¥.riling this lt..--th.-r to tell )Ou lxm J Dennis lla.,h."l1 has been a positnc innucnce in my lire. mentor, friend :li\IJ h:'l$ allowed me 10 hdp thous:l.nd-. of people '' 11h Govcrnrnt.:nl Blm.--aucrac)' and lnunigr.:•livn hm·. I h :.~ \'C know M r. Hu.stcn lb r ovc:-r 4l yean~. us :• wrestling cna~h. my school teacher in Yor ... villl: and t~n p·olt.:~ionall) a...:·' member or hi~ (.' ongression.al ,mfr for aiO)()S;l 7 )Cars. My fll'St ntCIMryofMr.Jb.,tcr1 "as when I '"'-as about 12 )cant old. We grew up in a tradili'-''ml family but tlic.l not ha' e a lvt. I rcmemlxr when nl) older bro lhcr t.cRo) tvld me about h i ~ wn.."Stling coach "'l)cnny'' whl'l \\US ~oing to t::.J..c him ond a gmup vr wrcs(lers to Colomdo tOr '' rc~tli ng c.aznp. l.cRoy V.'a'> ~·!.:' an ea.'~ 1.u~c1 C\'e"l) da~ for the older lids. ln particul:ar one: kid "\\Ould L."'li:L m} books out of m~ hand Jnd ph}'""SicaH) pu.J\ me 3found. l'hc problem was. he "-a~ .a Sophomore and a alhfctc. Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-33 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 3 of 5 PageID #:931 In Yortville lligh School the "'-Wnd ~h:'l')' in t1'h!- h.'lCl.. of the bu1lding \\1\S the Study ball. /\cr\'~~ the study hall wns Denu) I f:astcrt.-: f lisUJ•'Y cJa.,x. The hull\vay hel\\ccn the s1udy h<.~ll and llbuwy c lass contain~,."(t the fre~hm;,1 n locker~. It \\a.~ in the hall\\ a)' of~ Fn.""'.hman Jock<:T'S o~ tb) my life C~f.-oal. Afta bl.."'lng picked on. sho'"-d into kxkel' .md physical!) ;;~bused for a few weels it 'tuned to ukc a t<'ll on my mcnwl wclllh!ing. 1«>75 \\US a i.IHTcn:-nt time Utcn tod•~)· Bullying \\a' not someth u14~ the school adminbtrati(ln n:.co~utizl!d in 1975. that 'aS a wr~v-.;tlcr on the J.V, team so I thou ~ht nothi••c wouJd happt:n lo him. rhis did not matter to Coach Hasten :b he took the k.id b) ct~ scruff of the nt."Ck and told him if I C\ ...'t St."t! ~ou do ~m~thin:g Iale rh;,it ~n )Ou \\ill h;J,~ to t.k>al \\ilh me a.lld c...concd him away. 011 For the 11rs t time iu my liJC. som~o~m..: (Denny 11:1-;tcn) stood up 1u lhc pcrso1l wlm was h.::rrori7inuC' me ;.md crt.-atin!.!.. a livinf'f!> h~ll for me in the school l.knll\ I ia&cn dicJttk: riclu thin••f!' \\ ht.-n none- of hi~ pt:\."f'S were v.atching. e'en \\hen il \\3S Qnc of his own \\~tk-n. ~ ~ ~ The tcrruriring s loppcd, &hanks to l)cfUly Hastcr1' nctions. lllis inddcnl <:haner.~,.-d my Jifc. wlw ore in net.'<.l. who ha ve Jess th('ll yuu is t• •wbk concept lh:ll Denny II:J~Icrl tau~· hi rnc. Dcnn} ll;i'itcn \1aillalw.1y'( be my llcru. gi \·in~ to o tJ)Cr.-> I ,.un not .Jo.un: iff was suicid;ll hc;fore this incide-nt h:lppc..•nt.:<.l. ~u t J do know I felt rcall) hdpk......~. /\tkr ll igh Schoof I join~:d the l I.S. Coast (itMrd tx:cmiSC I wn11tcd tu help other~. I was on a Search lmd Rc..-scuc boat and bclicoptcr in :\Iaska. I Jdping p..-oplc \\00 "en: in peril wa-. ;m c'tcn...-ion of ,\h;tt Denny Haslett di'IC'pl3)ed to me. I ser" ed uur Cuunuy for 0\\.Y 5 ~cars and returned to th~! Fo\. Valley to OC with my famil)' When I re~ umcd lO th~ Ft)X Vall C)'. M r. Hasten was :) c::mdidmc for 1lk: U.S. ('c.mgress. Rcm(m~ri •lft how he- helped me during l'ny tilll(;' of n~L I d"-..:i. I wus dtl' tits( family mcmll\:t tu ~11 tcnl.l <'oiJcg<.~. Jet fJh)ll~ ~rodu:ltc. l.aw school wati something <.tlhcr people did. hard work w ith our h:lm.lti was whm our Htmily did. lk;nn.) lla~tc!r1 "-'TOlC u lctrl,.'r of suppon nnd bcli<.'\'C'd itl me. :ag,t.· lo l!lk~ The liN "-"ITk~tcr ofla\\ school\\~ prt"try tou.gJ1. Our first child "a1 born preruatun.: and 131.'\.'\1 many n'k.~ic.JJ c.·hallcn~ers.. ..Jk: was ::!8 monlhs old. ( )ur "''iXXnd child ".._, 11 month.\ old wbc;n my ·wife ga\.t: hir1h IO l\\ins during the tiC'!'>! !'l:t:nJcstcr or low ~c:hool. With .a h:tbics I almo~1 dmppt:d V\JI of lnw school but I alv..ays rrmcmbt:I:'Cd i I' I hnd a Ia\\' dcgn.-c I \\Ould bl,.' (able to hdp other J'IC(lph;. I gr.tduatcd from John ~lat:"!>ha.lland St:trtt.•d 10 look for n jvb in 2001. l.knn} ll:astcn ..~,a, ju:.t dec1«1 C\pcukcr of Ih..: House of R'-'J'""CSC'ntatiH:s ccs~ Most Corl!,'J\.""l~m<.'n will a"'-'il'J1 tl lo" staff member to :1ppca.-.c their constit~nb.. Mak~ h loo~ like the)· arc doin~ wmcdllng. not Spc:ukcr ll~erl In hi~ Congression:.l omcc he put hb f1lO:\I !J..iUed and scninr personal in positiOn:, to hdp the (',m,tituc:nts. I spc.~ia1ir.cd in working with t JSCIS ru1d helped pcxlple tlavig:tle 1hc com pies h'lltnig.mric' n My tra.ining .,::; a lawyer ltd1>cd me Wlderst:.u)tJ what lhc problen t ~ ....,crc nnd how to rc.'~Oh'e thv~c problems. y,)u httvc to remember USC IS ""a." n n~:w agency and h:\d :·t lol of J!TOWing r>n'bfcrns. ~yst~m. In the: Statt.~ of lllil'k1is the C"ongn"»tunal Staffs \\OUid e in cbar~c. Nm\ I IS('IS alkm~ you to ...uhmit oopk."' and briru: the original documenb "ilh you v.1x:n you are intcn.ic:wcd. Spc:1kcr llastct1'l\ Co n.g.rc~~ion~l oO'icc l<.1hbicd for this ~nd toda) it benefits c;vcryonc in the l JSA. ,.ru.s. 111 lhc JXtSt "he-n )OO filed a 1:unily p..-;.ition (spo\154! citiA-n) i1 would ut..~ 28 mon~ i(•r :minter\ iev. You "ould ha' c! 10 P'IY for :1 nt!W cmpiO)IlH."''ll card t\CI')' year wh) )Our cJ.SC \\"3-s. J">cnding. There was a fm or oppo ntu~ity for c-.asc-.s lo be lost or dr.:luyc:d indefinitely. t'Vhmy times when people wc1'<: waitin.g lhr years. tho.:ir pnrenb wuuld pass awol) ;.md they wen: unable h) au~nd fUncrols. 'i-.il them \\hilc they \\c!R: sick or mi,.....,.,:d rnani:tgcs. und th<,~ binh of chikln:n. ;Ill thi ll','- 11>;11 wcr.: unx«.-ptoblc 10 Speaker I b'>lcrt due 111 lh<: delays nf1hc 11\S ond US(' IS. Speaker f bslcn did llol believe his CQnS1ituents should b-.-ar 1he.sc undue btm,lcno: and pu1hi:-. mmn senior sH•fl' in helping these familic~. S~.:U.cr ll~cn rouJd ha' c 1'\"J)Iaccd me v.ith a "'" lC'\cl sta1T member or ~n\C'OnC v. ilhuul :. Ia'\ dc~ree. I h: choose oo1 to bccau.~~e he bclieH.-d it was impon:uu to help th~::-.c.: rx.-opk-. ll1i:-o wa ... \Omcthin(!. my history tcach.cr Denny ll:•st\.~n tau~h l me 40 y~,.-ar,.; ngv. 1-l.:.·IJ)ill£', uthcr p~_.'op l c w~1s nuhlc ;md the righlii-Ung to do. I(tllay I ha'..: carried on u...-nny Haste-11·, muuo. hctpmg others 1n a solo practice hy rcunilinp ra.nilie..-s through lhe means oflc~a l immi~·.rUiiC..lll. I proy lhis cwn will n.....:o0li7<:- thai -ll }<:31'S~'() v.l'k.-n a High SdK)()l teacher nlnle:d Dcnn~ ll.l"c..-n did the ri~t thing, and stopped ot bully from l"''mlrizing me. llti~ cban~OO Ill} life in a J'l<''ith e dirccti011. Mr. llastcn. Congres~mrm Hastc11. Spcukcr llastcn ilnd •·Denny" t.·wght me.· hdping others is th)hk tmd d\~ righl thing to dt>. I N ahis oouttl<, shov. tb: O'M.."fCY Mr. lla,tc:n has :JM,".n so lll311) p."~ Sinccre,ly:r_:.~~·~-~;::::~ -- ~ ~-Oa\i~o--&f - Redacted l L ---- _j ---- Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-34 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 1 of 3 PageID #:934 Exhibit 34 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-34 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 2 of 3 PageID #:935 Dear judge Durkin, I am joseph Ritchie, Founder and CEO of Chicago Research and Trading (CRT). I have known Denny for about 20 years. When we met, he was Speaker. A friend in DC introduced us, because my friend thought my project was worthy, and that Denny would want to use his influence to move it forward, even though I had never been a contributor to his campaigns. I was working on a plan to bring the former King of Afghanistan back to the country, and so undermine the Taliban. As it turned out, we needed some cooperation from Washington, particularly in Congress. First (in about 2000-2001), he supported our efforts to bring back the King, and later, to work with past commanders to overthrow the Taliban . When this was disrupted by 9/11, he became our main link to keep the State Department and the Defense Department in the loop. Much later, when the last election in Afghanistan was stolen, and mass violence was at hand, he became part of the team that influenced John Kerry to pressure the Afghans into a coalition government, and so avoid a high probability of major civil violence. All this he did as a simple civic minded citizen . There was no political or financial benefit. Whenever we needed his help, we just asked for it, and he pitched in, never asking for anything in return. In 2003, I met the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, and started a program to introduce him to the private sector. But I decided to give him an entre to DC as well , and so asked Denny to come to my home and have breakfast with Kagame, which he did. He then set up a lunch in the Speaker's quarters with the Chairs of about 6 House Committees, without being asked. He became one of the main links between Washington and Rwanda, simply because he believed that it was the right thing to do. Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-34 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 3 of 3 PageID #:936 In 2011, he basically did the same thing for Joyce Banda, who became President of Malawi the next year. He was no longer Speaker; but he was still willing to plug away in any way he could to help a cause or a person that he believed in. Later, I served on the Board of the Hastert Center at Wheaton College. There I witnessed this old man, often limping because of a wounded foot, still plugging away to bring to the students some real world insight into the intersection of politics and economics. And this went far beyond just being a celebrity. You could feel the teacher's passion he had for helping students see how the real world works. It's one thing to list the things a guy did. Much more important to me was the attitude with which he did them. He was almost a cartoon of the simple, blunt, straightforward public servant. This is something that you can feel in the air, just being around a person. Whatever issues he may have had decades earlier, the person that he became later was remarkably straight, committed, hardworking, and selfless. It's no coincidence that his colleagues, when faced with the need to put an honorable guy in as Speaker, turned to Denny. They may not have a window into what a man was decades earlier; but they know what he has become. And they picked Denny out of 200+ Congressmen. It was a great choice. And, when the two-term limit as Speaker came up, they waived it, because they had Denny. Another wise choice. The Denny Hastert I have known and worked with for two decades is a man th at I wish we had more of. I'm proud to call him my friend. s~cereln, Jo~i~k ,- Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-35 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 1 of 2 PageID #:937 Exhibit 35 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-35 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 2 of 2 PageID #:938 April 20, 2016 To Whom It May Concern: I am writing on behalf of Dennis Hastert. I have known him personally during the last two years, both through his role as an academic mentor at Wheaton College and also as a friend. In my interactions with and observations of Mr. Hastert, his character has been revealed most through his patient and compassionate heart. The grandfather-like characteristics of invaluable wisdom, humility, and pure motives to leave a positive legacy also have been apparent. He is a man who tangibly puts the wellbeing of everyone else before himself. If this wasn't already evident to me through his life as a public servant, it became even more evident in my conversations and time spent with him. When he has been misinformed, he has always asked for clarification or to be fully educated on the subject at hand. When he has made mistakes, he has always apologized and expressed remorse for his wrongdoings, no matter how miniscule. Regarding his recently revealed transgressions, he has already received his penaltyfinancially (with the money already paid out) and with his reputation (which is now completely shot.) Heaping on more punishment now will do no further good to restore the past Considering the decades of service to our country that Dennis has contributed and innumerable individuals he has positively impacted (including myself,) it is sad that it has to end this way. Please, be merciful. Mercy and forgiveness is a sign of true strength. Restorative, not retributive, justice is the solution. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely(/ 11 JeffScrima SvJ~ Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-36 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 1 of 2 PageID #:939 Exhibit 36 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-36 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 2 of 2 PageID #:940 February 26.2016 Honorable Thomas M. Durkin United States District Com1 Northern District of Illinois Everett McKinley Dirksen U.S. Courthouse 219 South Dearborn Street Chicago, Illinois 60604 Dear Judge Durkin, My name is Robert Singleton and I am a retired Detective and Special Agent with the United States Capitol Police in Washington, p.c. I am writing to share my professional experiences and personal perspectives of Speaker J. Dennis Hastert. For over 39 years, I have served in various capacities in local and federal law enforcement. I was assigned to the protection detail for Speaker Hastert in late 1998. I was immediately impressed by his demeanor toward our detail and how quickly a bond of trust was developed, as he felt comfortable by our presence, enough so that he would speak freely around us knowing we would never repeat or discuss anything of a classified or personal nature. I was amazed at his expression when we landed at Chicago O'Hare airport for the first time after he had been sworn in. As we deplaned in front of a swarm of people, he asked who was on the plane to warrant the large crowd and press. He was surprised that it was for him. I began to realize he was the type of person who was humble and truly did not feel the self-absorption that too many of his colleagues do. As we grew to know each other, I became more impressed as I realized he was a man of integrity, compassion and dedicated to his job as Speaker and his constituents in Illinois. In Washington, he met with Congressmen of both parties and spent long hours personally working out legislation in meetings and one on one. Rarely did we leave the Capitol building before late at night. As the Speaker, he worked tirelessly to get every task done. He would often apologize to the uniformed officers for having them stay late. He was always confident and in control of every crisis that happened while in or away from Washington, D.C, most notably on September 11, 2001. As the attack sparked mayhem and fear, the Speaker was calm and knew what he needed to do. Even at the bunker site, he took control as more leadership began to arrive and he maintained that discipline and stuck to the tasks at hand. In Illinois, Speaker Hastert was dedicated to his family and friends. Most weekends were spent in his hometowns of Yorkville and Plano. If there was a parade, he would drive his restored fire engine and he would stay at any event hours after it was over while he spoke and listened to the people he represented. Everywhere we went in his district, he would always take time to speak to anyone about anything and always made those he spoke with feel special. On most holidays, he would insist that his detail join his family for a holiday meal. We would have to explain that we could not and also do our job, yet, he always asked and always wanted to know that we were ok. I spent many years on Capitol Hill and know many Congressmen, however, I have never been more impressed than with Speaker Hastert. He is a man who devoted his time to the people of his district, to the Americans of this country, and to his family and friends. His devotion to the United States of America was matched by none, and I was witness to most of it as it was my job to protect him every single day and anywhere he was. Above all, your Honor. it would be terrible to see a person of such integrity, honesty and compassion and who gave so much to America, become incarcerated. I ask for any consideration you could yield. Res~f4lly, 9• / .q;c,_6~ ;(j{lngl.t/trrv Robert Singleton U Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-37 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 1 of 3 PageID #:941 Exhibit 37 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-37 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 2 of 3 PageID #:942 April20, 2016 Hon. Thomas M. Durkin United States District Judge Northern District of Illinois Everett McKinley Dirksen United States Courthouse 219 South Dearborn Street Chicago, IL 60604 Dear Judge Durkin, I write to you regarding Denny Hastert, former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. I worked for Congressman, then Speaker, Hastert from March 1993 until June 2002 as a member of his congressional and leadership staff. After working as a government affairs consultant for 12 years in a small firm, I moved over to the law firm Dickstein Shapiro, LLP in September 2014 where I was reunited with Speaker Hastert. I was eager to be working with my old boss again after many years. Over my time working with Denny, I observed a person who was committed to serving both his constituents and the people of the United States well. He also became a loyal friend of mine. Being a Member of Congress is not a 9-5 position. Much of the work is tedious and unseenthey all work very hard on behalf of their constituents whether Republican or Democrat and, I believe, serving in Congress is still a noble profession despite the anemic legislative record it has had over the last several years. The number of bills passed is only one metric by which Congress and Members of Congress should be judged. In most cases, it's the personal interactions with or on a constituent's behalf that determine success- making sure a veteran's benefits are being paid, replacing a lost Social Security check, or even giving a tour of the Capitol Building during a constituent's Spring Break -these make for a successful congressman. On this account, Denny Hastert and his staff were excellent and his constituents well-served. On the legislative side, few know the effort that goes into the enactment of a law. Denny's record as a legislator is very compelling. From leading the Congress after the 9111 attacks, passage of a major tax reform package, and enactment of the Medicare prescription drug benefit, his work product in Congress stands with the best of them. In the 23 years I have known him, I never had a reason to question his integrity or sincerity in his commitment to his office, his constituents, the issues on which he worked after he left Congress, or my friendship with him. The positive words in this letter reflect upon the person I knew when I worked for him during his tenure in Congress and the years after he left. But I am also very aware of the seriousness of the allegations leveled against him. It is my hope and I pray that, as a result of this case, those involved will seek healing and forgiveness. I can only imagine the burdens placed on all those affected by this matter. Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-37 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 3 of 3 PageID #:943 In the proceeding that lies ahead for Denny Hastert in your Courtroom, it is my hope the Court will strike the right balance as it makes its consideration. y Tnlls~OT--~ Da id S. Thomp on 2 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-38 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 1 of 3 PageID #:944 Exhibit 38 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-38 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 2 of 3 PageID #:945 Travis Tos Redacted February 21, 2016 Honorable Judge Durkin, I have had the privilege of knowing Dennis Hastert for just over two years. Despite it being a relatively short period oftime, he has had an incredible impact on my life. As a junior in college, I was searching for a summer internship that would give me valuable experience and knowledge as I drew closer to entering the workforce. Speaker Hastert, as a member of the board of directors at the CME Group, was able to secure a spot for a student from his alma mater to intern there for the summer. Fortunately, through professor recommendations, I ultimately received the opportunity to intern there. I knew that the Speaker had lined up the opportunity, but I never expected him to reach out to me and strike up a relationship. However, that is exactly what happened. In the months leading up to my internship, the Speaker and I would get a meal together every few weeks and talk about everything ranging from politics and economics to sports and our personal lives. He also sent me countless articles on current events that related to the work I would be doing that summer at the CME. It could not have been more apparent that he wanted to see me succeed in my internship and wanted me to be as prepared as I possibly could be. When the summer finally rolled around, we continued to meet whenever he came to the office for meetings. He would ask how I was enjoying my time and wanted to make sure that it was a beneficial experience for me. Towards the end of the summer, he invited me to spend the weekend with him at his farm in Wisconsin. I happily accepted. For three days, the two of us got to know each other even better, talking politics and current events nonstop. He showed me around his property and his plethora of artifacts from his time in Congress. We even took his boat for a spin on the Mississippi. It was a great weekend and one that I will not soon forget. I consider myself extraordinarily fortunate to have been able to spend so much time with someone who had so much incredible insight and experience. I was able to learn so much that continues to impact me to this day. I still have a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that the former speaker of the house would be willing to invest so much time in getting to know me and mentor me, without receiving anything in return. That summer, I told Speaker Hastert about my desire to intern in Washington D.C. for a semester and asked if he had any advice. Once more, he gave me far more than I asked for as he told me I could shadow him at his law firm there. For six weeks, I was able to follow him and watch him interact with lawmakers and business people. I sat in on his meetings with Representatives, ambassadors, and went along for his appearances on media outlets like Fox News and C-Span. One day, I mentioned to him that I really respected and admired Paul Ryan. Within a few weeks, the Speaker scheduled an appointment with the congressman so that I could come along and meet him. Once again, his generosity blew me away. He continually gave of himself and his resources without expecting anything from me. This experience was extremely formative for me in my professional development as I was able to witness firsthand how he and other successful people interacted with each other. He treated everyone he came in contact with exactly the same, with the utmost respect and dignity. From the security guards at the Capitol and his limo driver to ambassadors and members of Congress, I never noticed any partiality. Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-38 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 3 of 3 PageID #:946 Because of it, everyone loved seeing him. Even when he wasn't around people would tell me how lucky I was to be shadowing such a great person and what a privilege they thought it was to work with him. When I went back to school for my final semester of college, I kept in touch with the Speaker and met with him occasionally to catch up. I was able to work with him to give two more students internships at the CME, as well as work with a campus organization to have Paul Ryan come to campus and speak. The congressman was happy to do so after all that the Speaker had done for him. As graduation approached, I asked the Speaker if he would join my family and me for dinner after the ceremony. He told me he didn't know if it would work out but that he would try. Unfortunately, he was going to be on a business trip to Japan until the morning of my graduation, and would be leaving the following day for a vacation with his family. Despite the terrible jetlag and tasks that needed to get done before he left the next day, he made time for my family and me and came to dinner with us. He even bought me a graduation present and wore his tie bearing the colors of our alma mater. I doubt that I can adequately express how much these gestures meant to me. He was willing, right after getting back from a trip to Japan, and right before leaving the next day, to carve out several hours from his busy schedule to meet my family and have dinner with us on an extremely significant night for me. Without a doubt, Speaker Hastert is the most generous person that I have ever met. The anecdotes I have recounted above represent just a handful of the countless actions he took to mentor and invest in me. He has given me more than I could have ever imagined in the form of experiences, knowledge, and his own time. Because of this, I have had opportunities given to me that would have never been possible otherwise. However, I am just one of countless people that he has opened doors for. Every year, he allows students to meet with him, get internships, or even shadow him. Through his actions, it is clear that he views his success not as something to keep for himself, but as something to use to help others. He desires to build relationships with others and help them achieve their potential. This is why he would teach classes across the country, from community colleges to academically renowned universities. Countless times he told me that he wanted others to see that he was a normal person, so that they would know that ordinary people are capable of extraordinary things. As you consider his case, I hope you see what an incredible benefit he is to society and the remarkable impact he has had on so many lives. I know that I would not be the person I am today without him. He has taught me to work hard, to act with integrity, and to treat others with dignity. I will always be indebted to him for the investment he made in me. Sincerely, Travis Tos Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-39 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 1 of 2 PageID #:947 Exhibit 39 04/22/2016 15:35 PAGE 1 02 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-39 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 2 of 2 PageID #:948 2 of 2 April 22, 2016 To the Honorable Thomas M. Durkin Dear Judge Durkin: 1 am contacting you on behalf of my friend J Dennis Hastert who has come before you. Dennis Hastert has been a ffiend of mine for over 25 years and I know him as a good man with a generous heart. His contribution to the districts he served in both the Illinois State House as a Representative as Congressman Hastert and Speaker of the House of Congress have changed the landscape and many lives for years to come. Although Denny reached one of the highest levels in the United States Government he never forgot who he was and where he came from. Today Kane and Kendall counties have been the benefactors of new and safe bridges, Sullivan Road Bridge and Orchard Road Bridge. Roads that were in dire need of expansion have been improved widened and thousands of acres of open space that dozens of generations that come after us will enjoy. I can only hope that they ask themselves "how did anyone manage to save this beautiful pristine area for me to walk, jog and breath deeply"? How many have looked up the hill from the Fox River at the Kendall County Historic Court House built in the 1860's and wondered "who had the foresight and capacity to save this unique and beautiful building" ? All of these things came to pass under my friend Dennis Hastert who used his positions to help counties, villages and cities become an even better place to live and raise our families. His heart was always here with the people who elected him. I have seen his kindness in daily life, his ge nerosity in giving his time and lending his name to worthy and important causes. In closing Your Honor I would ask you for leniency and let him stay home as opposed to a sentence in a facility that would only further jeopardize his health. This stress has taken a terrible toll on him, his family and friends and we would like to keep him home. He always needed our votes but now he needs our compassion, support and redemption and he needs yours more than ever today. Anne Vickery Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-40 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 1 of 4 PageID #:949 Exhibit 40 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-40 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 2 of 4 PageID #:950 RACHEL HODGES WALL r---- --------·----- -------~------------1 l Redacted L_______________________________________j April 20, 2016 The Honorable Thomas M. Durkin Dirksen Court House 219 S. Dearborn Street Chicago, Illinois 60604 Dear Judge Durkin: Thank you for the opportunity to comment on my friend and former employer, Speaker Dennis Hastert It is with pleasure I share a few of my personal observations from my time as a congressional staff member for Speaker Hastert I first met Speaker Hastert, his wife Jean and sons Josh and Ethan on the day he was sworn in as Speaker of the House of Representatives, January 6, 1999. I previously served on the staff of Speaker Newt Gingrich and I recall feeling quite grateful that although he hadn't yet met me, Speaker Hastert was willing to take a chance on a young "staffer" from Tennessee, based on recommendation alone. Looking back, I realize it was my first experience with Denny's belief in the concept of "team". He implicitly trusted the team he had in place and if they thought I was alright, then I was alright! Little did I know that this wonderful feature of his personality would allow me unconditional support, as a young woman working in the highest office in the United States Congress. For the next eight years I served as Speaker Hastert's Director of Special Events. I was responsible for planning all of the official events, ceremonies, official dinners, handling matters of protocol, you name it; that become part of the job when you're elected Speaker. Mind you, this was clearly not Speaker Hastert's favorite part of the new "gig". He was not a fan of attention and pomp and circumstance were laborious for such a reserved and private person. It was my job to make it appear that Denny had strong opinions concerning "all things ceremonial". It wasn't unusual for negotiations involving high-level dignitaries, heads of state, and congressional gold medal award recipients to become contentious. Everyone seemed to want the spotlight and sorting out who would get it was tricky at times. I recall a particularly contentious time while planning the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony honoring Rosa Parks. I was being pressured by numerous outside organizations and Members of Congress for requests ranging from additional tickets to the ceremony, to demands for speaking roles. I was eventually personally threatened during a morning radio show in Washington, DC. I was nervous for my personal safety and professional reputation, but mostly I feared that decisions I had made based on precedent, placed Speaker Hastert in a politically risky situation. When I explained the lengthy details to Speaker Hastert, he was unwavering. He never questioned my handling of each situation. I was a member of his team. And he trusted the team. His support granted me the much-needed "buck stops here" Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-40 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 3 of 4 PageID #:951 authority that was essential for me to be successful in my position. I will always be grateful for his trust professionally. After some time, 1 became more personally acquainted with Jean Hastert and I would often join her for events and official duties when she would visit Washington. I was selected, along with other key staff members, to travel and assist on official international trips led by the Hastert's and attended by Members of Congress and their spouses. These international delegations were among the highlight of my career as I was given the opportunity to get to know the Hastert's in a more personal setting. During the course of the eight years I served on Denny's team, I found it was the small, nameless moments that revealed his true character. It was not unusual to be summoned to his office for "in tel sessions" that included questions regarding items he might be considering purchasing for Jean for a special birthday or anniversary. "Do you think she might like a new jogging suit or a sporty watch because she has been working out more?" Once, following a Coast Guard Cutter being named for Jean, he purchased a small, gold anchor for her to wear as a reminder of the special day. One rainy Sunday afternoon in December while the House was still in session, we set out together, with his security detail, for Tyson's Corner; the big mall in the suburbs. He had his heart set on getting her a diamond solitaire neck1ace. We trudged through the masses in our portly gaggle searching for the store of my choosing. He carefully selected a neck1ace for her, looked to me for a nod of approval, and we were on our way ... via a quick browse through the fishing section of L.L. Bean! I enjoyed observing his care for Jean over the years. His interest in making sure she knew that her special occasions were noted, in spite of his extremely demanding schedule, was nothing short of beautiful. I appreciated the way he would always turn back to make sure she was with him, as he lumbered down the hallway. He made sure that ifjean was in town, we'd get a nice group together for dinner out He wanted her to be happy and enjoy herself. Many evenings following dinner, Jean would return to her hotel and the security detail would drive The Speaker and me back to Capitol Hill in the darkness. Occasionally we would chat about something funny from dinner or a topic of interest from the office but most often these were quiet rides. I remember at times almost feeling the weight of the responsibility he carried as we both stared into the distance in silence. Even a visit from jean couldn't erase the heavy burden of the huge job he willingly and boldly faced every day. We might have stepped away for dinner but huge tasks were always waiting. We dropped him off first and I knew he was going in to collapse, sleep a little and then face it all bright and early the next day. Looking back, those days in Washington, D.C. seem a million miles away. I'm now married, raising four children and sharpening my skills as an "armchair politician". I will always be grateful to have witnessed history and Speaker Hastert's leadership in real time. Events such as 9/11, the Bush recount. the Elian Gonzalez decision, the Terry Schiavo debate and the endless build of important legislation are among my "legislative memories". But those huge events pale when compared to my very special personal memories of Denny. He adored his family and treasured his friends. He allowed me tremendous responsibility at a very young age and I will always consider him the most treasured mentor of my career. Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-40 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 4 of 4 PageID #:952 As a young professional in a city full of questionable characters, at no point did I witness inappropriate behavior by Speaker Hastert It is still difficult for me to reconcile all that has happened during the last months. He revered the office in which he served, but never let the power affect his character. In truth, he was exactly the same on his last day as Speaker as he was on his very first Thank you, again, for the opportunity to comment Please do not hesitate to contact me if I might be helpful in any way. Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-41 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 1 of 3 PageID #:953 Exhibit 41 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-41 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 2 of 3 PageID #:954 Kelsie J. Wendelberger 624 Dirksen Senate Building Washington, D.C. 20510 February 24, 2016 The Honorable Thomas M. Durkin United States District Court 219 S. Dearborn St. Chicago, IL 60604 YtJ"'' 1-\ol\o(': Thank you for your hard work and leadership in presiding over the case regarding J. Dennis Hastert. I am writing to you out of sincerity to offer a perspective of the impact Speaker Hastert has had on my life both in my years as a student and in my first months of professional work. I first met Denny my freshman year at Wheaton College, in the 2011-2012 school year. We met briefly, and I learned from him during panel discussions and talks he did at the school. I was impressed by his intelligence and extensive professionalism in politics, but even more impressed by his humility and experiences growing up in small-town Illinois. Having double-majored in international relations and economics, I spent most of my time in the then-called Hastert Center of Wheaton College. Each time I entered the building, I was reminded of the sacrifices and dedication that the former Speaker of the House made to create this center. (Not to mention the desire to give back by continuously returning to the college to speak with students.) In fact, the intentional collaboration of the disciplines in the Hastert Center is what led me to double-major in the first place. Junior year of college is when I really got to know Speaker Hastert as a friend and mentor. After he guest-taught in one of my political science courses, I talked with him after class and he suggested we get coffee. I was honored that someone I so respected would make the time for me. That coffee led to talking together every time he traveled back to Wheaton from Washington, D.C. He mentored me and other students, teaching us the importance of working hard no matter the job, servant-leadership, and maintaining a strong faith in Christ through all trials and challenges. He shared stories of his time coaching in Illinois, and in his life in politics. He talked about his family and grandchildren often, and I could tell he held his family most highly above all other blessings in his life. My senior year of college, I got accepted into a course entitled, "Leadership," which was cotaught by Speaker Hastert. He instilled in us what he thought were the most important qualities of leadership: purpose, passion, persistence, patience, and having a sacred heart - meaning seeking God in all things. Continuing my mentorship with him, Denny knew of my desire to live and work in Washington, D.C. Since money was tight, he kindly flew me out to meet with his colleagues at Dickstein-Shapiro LLP, and to interview with a few congressional offices. I took a Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-41 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 3 of 3 PageID #:955 Page 2 position as an intern at the law firm, and worked with him for the first part of summer before the indictment occurred. In those weeks I worked closely with him, I want you to know the kind of man I saw: I saw a man who was one of the only left standing of the "good old days" in Washington. A man who said hello and helped everyone, no matter if it was the cleaning person in the basement of the Capitol or a Senator in his office. I saw a man who people literally stopped their cars in the middle of Constitution Avenue to greet, or paused in the midst of rushed hallway walks to thank for his integrity and service to the people of the United States. I befriended a man who always put the concerns of others before himself, even to his own detriment. I befriended a man who worked harder than anyone I have ever met because he believed that he still had more to give to the people of this country. I was mentored by a man whose values of tenacity, trustworthiness, and tender-heartedness will carry with me throughout my entire career. Denny Hastert has and continues to be a friend and mentor to me. His strength even through these recent trials continues to impress me. He and Jean (his wife) are lovely to everyone they encounter, and I am sure you have experienced the same in your interactions with them. Thank you so much for your time in reading my letter. I am only one of countless people Denny has greatly impacted. In pouring my heart out there is so much more I could write, but for now I thank you for your consideration in Denny Hastert's robust, noteworthy character and how he has so positively affected my life. Highest Regards, Kelsie J. Wendelberger United States Senate Committee on the Budget