Jesse Jackson Jr. Intends to Plead Guilty to Federal Charges of Illegal Use of $750,000 in Campaign Funds

More Chicago style politics … Jesse Jackson Jr. plans to plead guilty to misusing campaign funds.

Former Democrat Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. (IL-D) and his wife  Sandi intend to plead guilty to federal charges of the misuse of $750,000 of campaign funds. Jackson was charged with spending about $750,000 of campaign funds on personal purchases, making false statements and wire and mail fraud.  Federal authorities allege that Jackson Jr. used campaign funds to purchase a $43,350 men’s gold-plated Rolex watch, $5,150 worth of fur capes and parkas, and $9,588 in children’s furniture.  What a stand up kind guy, the misuse of funds does not stop there. He also purchased with campaign funds $10,105 on Bruce Lee memorabilia, $11,130 on Martin Luther King memorabilia and $22,700 on Michael Jackson items, including $4,600 for a “Michael Jackson fedora. It is not like this was a one time deal of the misuse of funds, the purchases were made between 2007 and 2009. He faces up to five years in prison and $250,000 in fines. What are the odds he gets a slap on the wrist?

Jesse Jackson Jr. will be saying good bye from politics for a while with a little illegal campaign finance issue

Jesse Jackson Jr. and his wife Sandi intend to plead guilty to federal charges alleging the former congressman misused $750,000 in campaign funds while she understated their income on  tax returns for six years, their lawyers say.

Jackson Jr., 47, a Democrat from Chicago, was charged in a criminal information Friday with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, mail fraud and false statements. He faces up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and other penalties.

Sandi Jackson was charged with one count of filing false tax returns. She faces up to three years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and other penalties.

Jackson Jr. is accused of diverting $750,000 in campaign funds for personal use.

I guess this can explain why Jesse Jackson Jr. was in rehab for such a long period of time. Jackson was trying to be cured of “Misuse of Campaign Funditis”.

UPDATE I: In a statement, Jackson Jr. said: [editors note: the are sorry they got caught]

“Over the course of my life I have come to realize that none of us are immune from our share of shortcomings and human frailties. Still I offer no excuses for my conduct and I fully accept my responsibility for the improper decisions and mistakes I have made. To that end I want to offer my sincerest apologies to my family, my friends and all of my supporters for my errors in judgment and while my journey is not yet complete, it is my hope that I am remembered for the things that I did right.”

Sandi Jackson’s attorneys released a statement saying she “has accepted responsibility for her conduct, is deeply sorry for her actions, and looks forward to putting this matter behind her and her family. She is thankful for the support of her family and friends during this very difficult time.”