A judge has approved prosecutors' request to keep some evidence against former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert secret.
U.S. District Judge Thomas Durkin granted the motion for a protective order Monday. It says any discovery the U.S. Attorney's Office provides Hastert's attorneys may not be disclosed to anyone not involved in the case, even after the proceedings end.
Prosecutors argued disclosing the information ``could adversely affect law enforcement interests and the privacy interests of third parties.'' They say lawyers for the Hastert agreed with the request.
The Illinois Republican is accused of agreeing to pay $3.5 million to someone described in an indictment as ``Individual A'' to keep past misconduct secret.
The former teacher and coach pleaded not guilty to charges of violating banking laws and lying to the FBI.
