Former U.S. Congressman Jackson Jr. Pleads Guilty To Misuse Of Campaign Funds

Jesse Jackson Jr. and Sandra Stevens Jackson

Jackson Jr. facing 5 years in prison and Sandra, his wife is facing 3 years for filing false income tax returns to coverup the misuse of her husband's campaign funds for almost seven years.

By H. Nelson Goodson

February 21, 2013

Washington,  D.C. - On Wednesday, former U.S. Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. pleaded guilty to one federal felony count of misuse of campaign funds. Jackson Jr. illegally spent more than $750K of campaign funds for personal gain from a slush fund. He spent the money on personal items, a $43K gold plated Rolex watch, furniture, rent, vacations, Micheal Jackson memorabilia and a vehicle. He is facing five years in a federal prison and up to $250K in fines. Jackson's sentencing is set for June 28.

Sandra Stevens Jackson, his wife and a former Alderperson in a separate hearing also pleaded guilty to one count of filing false income tax returns for six years in an attempt to coverup the misuse of her husband's campaign funds. She is facing three years in prison and up to $250K in fines. Her sentencing date is set for July 1. Both of them were placed on a recognizance bond and remain free.

The Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr. and family members were in court during the court proceedings.