GOP Speaker Dennis Hastert Molested More Than One Teen, Family Alleges
Former Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert is facing an indictment for a coverup involving a man he reportedly molested decades ago as a teacher in Illinois.
But now, the sister of one of Hastert's former students is claiming the ex-GOP leader sexually abused her brother, as well.
Jolene Reinboldt told ABC News that brother, Steve, who died of AIDS-related complications in 1995, told her Hastert initiated a years-long sexual relationship with him as well.
She had asked Steve, who was openly gay, about his first same-sex experience.
"He looked at me and said, 'It was with Dennis Hastert,' says Jolene. "I was stunned. ... He just turned around and kind of looked at me and said, 'Who is ever going to believe me?'"
Reinboldt admits her brother's allegations seemed outlandish until last week, when is was reported Hastert agreed to pay another former male student $3.5 million to keep quiet about their sexual relationship.
Hastert, 73, is expected in court next week to respond to charges he lied to federal officials about the purpose of cash withdrawals totaling $1.7 million.
In a 1970 high school yearbook, Hastert wrote that Steve Reinboldt was “a great, right hand man who gets that neglected feeling once in a while.”
Reinhboldt was the student equipment manager of the Yorkville, Illinois wrestling team, which Hastert coached.
The longest-serving Speaker in U.S. history, and a vocal opponent of LGBT rights, Hastert was a high school teacher and coach from 1965 to 1981.
