Dennis Hastert's attorneys question whether groin rub is sexual misconduct - CNN Politics

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CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 27: Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert leaves the Dirksen Federal Court House in a wheelchair after his sentencing on April 27, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. Hastert was sentenced to 15 months in prison and ordered to pay $250,000 to a victim's fund for breaking banking laws as he sought to pay a man identified only as Individual A, 14-years-old at the time, millions of dollars to keep quiet about past sexual abuse. The abuse occured during Hastert's years as wrestling coach at Yorkville High School decades ago. (Photo by Joshua Lott/Getty Images)

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Caption:WASHINGTON, : Congressman Dennis J. Hastert (R), R-IL, is sworn-in as Speaker of the House of Representatives 06 January during the 1999 opening session of the House on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. As the 106th Congress opened, Hastert replaces Newt Gingrich. (ELECTRONIC IMAGE) AFP PHOTO/ Paul J. RICHARDS (Photo credit should read PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP/Getty Images)

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WASHINGTON - JULY 28: Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert (C) is joined by current Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) during a ceremony unveiling Hastert's portrati at the U.S. Capitol July 28, 2009 in Washington, DC. Hastert is the longest serving Republican speaker to date, holding the post from 1999-2007. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Nancy Pelosi;John Boehner;Dennis Hastert

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Dennis Hastert pleaded guilty last year to structuring money transactions to evade reporting

He will be sentenced April 27

(CNN) —

Attorneys for former House Speaker Dennis Hastert say they are not positive an allegation of a groin rub by a coach on a teenage wrestler constitutes sexual misconduct.

“While undoubtedly many would consider this episode as described by (Individual A) consisting of a groin rub for a groin pull and a massage, to be misconduct, we are not so certain that the incident qualifies as sexual misconduct, especially for a coach and trainer 42 years ago,” lawyers Thomas C. Green and John N. Gallo wrote in the court document.

The filing, which was unsealed Wednesday, was in response to a sentencing recommendation during a criminal case against the 74-year-old retired legislator. He pleaded guilty last year to structuring money transactions to evade reporting where he took massive amounts of funds he was withdrawing. He will be sentenced April 27.

Individual A is one of four boys who alleged Hastert sexually abused them decades ago.

Hastert will not face sexual abuse charges because the statutes of limitations have expired.

Dennis Hastert’s attorneys question whether groin rub is sexual misconduct

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