Hastert's hush money was to cover up sexual misconduct with former student, sources say

Washington (CNN) Former Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert was paying a former student to keep quiet about allegations of sexual abuse from the time when Hastert was a teacher and wrestling coach in Illinois, two sources with knowledge of the federal government investigation told CNN on Friday afternoon.

Hastert was a teacher and wrestling coach in Yorkville, Illinois between 1965 and 1981 before entering politics. Federal prosecutors indicted Hastert on Thursday for lying to the FBI about $3.5 million he agreed to pay to an undisclosed person to "cover up past misconduct."

A federal law enforcement official confirmed to CNN early Friday evening that the former student was a male and a minor when the alleged abuse took place. Federal law enforcement officials also said that investigators decided not to pursue a possible extortion case in the matter.

The high school where Hastert worked released a statement earlier Friday denying any knowledge of past misdeeds.

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"Yorkville Community Unit School District #115 has no knowledge of Mr. Hastert's alleged misconduct, nor has any individual contacted the District to report any such misconduct," according to the statement.

It also suggested prosecutors have not contacted the school about Hastert's misconduct.

A friend of Hastert, who has known him since the 1970s, said he spoke with the former speaker Friday morning.

"He perceives himself as the one being wronged" the friend said. "He's done an incredibly good job for the people, he's done that and done as well as he could."

The friend, however, wouldn't comment on the accusations.

House Speaker John Boehner released a statement early Friday evening, saying "the Denny I served with worked hard on behalf of his constituents and the country."

But, Boehner said, "I'm shocked and saddened to learn of these reports."

Initial bail was set at $4,500, a spokeswoman for U.S. Attorney Zachary Fardon said Friday, adding that that was only preliminary and routine in most cases. She said that his first appearance in court, for his arraignment, is expected next week.

But much remains unclear in the seven-page indictment federal officials lodged against the former Republican House speaker. Here are some other remaining questions: