Brother of top Illinois Republican named judge in Hastert case
The judge who has drawn the case against Dennis Hastert, the longest serving Republican House Speaker in history, is the brother of one of Illinois' top GOP leaders.
Federal Judge Thomas Durkin is set to handle the case, Kim Nerheim, a spokeswoman for the U.S. attorneys office for the Northern District of Illinois, said.
Judge Thomas Durkin is the brother of House Republican Leader Jim Durkin of Western Springs, the GOP's leader in the Illinois House. Jim Durkin is in the middle of a budget fight in Springfield against Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.
Judge Thomas Durkin was confirmed to the federal bench in 2012 and used to be a partner in the law firm Mayer Brown.
Hastert's son, Ethan Hastert, is an attorney at Mayer Brown.
Hastert's preliminary bond was set at $4,500 and he is free on his own recognizance.
No first court date has been set for Hastert.