Jesse Jackson, Jr. Pleads Guilty to Fraud
By: NBC News
Updated: February 20, 2013
Former Illinois Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr., pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday morning to misusing more than $750,000 in campaign cash on private expenses -- including a Rolex, furs, and other luxury goods.
Jackson, who resigned three months ago to reportedly get treatment for bipolar disorder and clinical depression, will face time behind bars when he is sentenced this summer.
"For years I lived off my campaign," Jackson said in court as he fought back tears. "I used money that should have been for campaign purposes for personal purposes."
Jackson accepted charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, mail fraud and false statements. The embattled Democratic lawmaker reportedly agreed to a negotiated plea recommending a sentence of between 46 and 57 months and a fine in the $10,000 to $100,000 range. But prosecutors reserve the right to argue for a harsher punishment, including the maximum sentence of five years in prison.
By way of explaining his decision to plead guilty, Jackson said, "I have no interest in wasting the taxpayers' time or their money."
"I'm guilty, your honor," a visibly emotional Jackson said.
The bevvy of pricey goods Jackson allegedly bought with campaign funds also include a $4,600 fedora from Michael Jackson's collection, a $1,500 cashmere cape, and a range of memorabilia from other celebrities.
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