Former U.S. Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, a Republican from Yorkville, used taxpayer money to coordinate personal business ventures, reports the Chicago Tribune. Following his departure from Congress after the 2006 election, Hastert was provided a taxpayer-funded office for five years, which is a common courtesy for former House Speakers. Hastert served as leader of the U.S. House from 1998 to 2006.

However, instead of using the office to tie up loose ends from his public service days, Hastert reportedly hired employees and traveled on the public dime to work on business deals with Burr Ridge businessman David John. These suspected deals include work on a racetrack in Southern California.

Hastert denies the allegations, telling the Tribune that, "I didn't work on any private business" out of the public office.