I think it’s possible they’re bootstrapping by bringing this (ridiculous) charge. It will allow the prosecution to argue that the payments he has already made are evidence (ostensibly, for the crime charged, but really for the underlying crime). They’re trying to do the same thing with Cosby and those very ripe rape claims against him.

We still don’t know the crime.

If it’s child sexual abuse, the statute of limitations for civil suit in Illinois has probably run out (see this). He stopped being a teacher/coach in 1981, according to Wiki. Whether criminal statute of limitations laws for child sexual abuse in Illinois would allow prosecution is an area of law so complex I don’t have the time or inclination to wade through it. Let’s just say it’s uncertain.

Of course, that’s a technicality in a way. Even if the alleged crime can’t be prosecuted in a court of law, it will be prosecuted in the press and social media—probably exactly what Hastert feared. And my guess is that the prosecution in the social media and press will be a lot harsher than what would have happened in a courtroom.

That is a bar, far too high, for me to even attempt to reach.