Jesse Jackson, Jr., pleads guilty to theft of $750K in campaign funds

Jesse Jackson, Jr., pleads guilty to theft of $750K in campaign funds

Former Chicago congressman Jackson Jr. enters the U.S. District Federal Courthouse in WashingtonApparently, having the name Jesse Jackson doesn’t guarantee you’ll get away with gaming the system every time.

Unlike his shakedown artist father, former U.S. Rep. Jesse L. Jackson Jr. pleaded guilty Wednesday to charges of conspiracy and wire and mail fraud, before a federal judge in Washington.

The case against Jackson centered on allegations that he stole more than $750,000 in campaign funds. Today, the theft went from presumption to fact, with the 47-year-old ex-congressman stating unequivocally, “I am guilty, your honor,” adding:

I used money I shouldn’t have … for personal reasons. I acknowledge that. Tell everybody back home I’m sorry I let ‘em down, OK?

As part of the plea agreement, Jackson could face a jail sentence of up to 5 years. Both sides in the case, however, have reserved the right to argue for more — or less — jail time. The sentencing hearing is set for this summer.
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Howard Portnoy

Howard Portnoy

Howard Portnoy has written for The Blaze, HotAir, NewsBusters, Weasel Zippers, Conservative Firing Line, RedCounty, and New York’s Daily News. He has one published novel, Hot Rain, (G. P. Putnam’s Sons), and has been a guest on Radio Vice Online with Jim Vicevich, The Alana Burke Show, Smart Life with Dr. Gina, and The George Espenlaub Show.

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