'Spotlight' Helped Dennis Hastert Victim Tell His Story

One of Dennis Hastert’s sexual abuse victims says the movie “Spotlight” helped him gather the courage to share his story.

Scott Cross spoke during a Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests news conference and award ceremony Sunday in Chicago. Cross said during Dennis Hastert’s sentencing that he was a “key figure in my life, as a coach and a teacher.

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“The movie ‘Spotlight” was a very powerful moment for me as I struggled talking to my wife about this,” Cross said in a YouTube video of his speech posted by the Chicago Sun-Times. At the behest of his wife, Cross watched the movie alone, which helped him make the decision to come forward.

Cross said Hastert asking his brother, Illinois Rep. Tom Cross, for a letter of support also was a deciding factor.

“As I had gone into therapy, I had been looking for some thoughts on a sign of what to do. And there were several signs that came to me that said I should come forward,” Cross said.

Cross, who was once known as Individual D, said Hastert compelled him to engage in sex when he was 17. He also said Hastert watched boys shower while sitting in a "Lazyboy-type" chair near the shower stalls.

SNAP’s Sunday conference was held with the intention of getting the state to pass a law letting anyone who was abused at any time to file civil suits to expose those who committed and concealed the crimes. SNAP also wants prison officials to strongly scrutinize any health claims Hastert might make in order to get out prison easily.

“In our experience, predators often try to ‘game the system’ and exploit any loophole they can to get special treatment, pretending to be sick or have poor memories or otherwise be virtually helpless and non-threatening,” said Barbara Dorris of SNAP in a news release. “We strongly suspect Hastert will do this, too and we want prison officials to examine any claims like this very carefully.”

Hastert was sentenced April 27 to 15 months in prison. On Wednesday, he reported to Rochester Federal Medical Facility in Minnesota.