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February 21, 2013

Jesse Jackson Jr. Pleads Guilty in Corruption Case 
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Former Democratic Congressmember Jesse Jackson Jr. has formally pleaded
guilty to spending more than $750,000 in campaign funds on personal
items. Jackson steered donations toward purchases including music
memorabilia and items for his home. He resigned last year after a
several-month leave to seek treatment for bipolar disorder. Outside the
courtroom, defense attorney Reid Weingarten said Jackson's condition is
improving, and expressed hope his record of public service will factor
into his sentencing.

Reid Weingarten: "It turns out that Jesse has serious health issues.
Many of you know about them. We're going to talk about them extensively
with the court. And those health issues are directly related to his
present predicament. That's not an excuse; that's just a fact. And Jesse
has turned the corner there, as well, and I think there's reason for
optimism here, too. And finally, I would say we're hopeful, and we
expect that there will be fairness in the process, and a person who has
contributed so much to his community, done so much for so many people,
will and should get credit for it."

Jackson will be sentenced in June. Under his plea deal, he faces up to
five years in prison.

 

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