Politics & Government

Jackson Jr. to Judge: 'I'm Guilty, Your Honor'

Our former representative will now face a June 28 sentencing date and potentially significant jail time after pleading guilty to misusing an estimated $750,000 in campaign funds.

Former 2nd District Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. pleaded guilty to illegally spending roughly three quarters of a million dollars in campaign money, according to the Sun-Times Media.

“For years I lived off my campaign. I used money that should have been for campaign purposes for personal purposes,” Jackson Jr. told Judge Robert Wilkins.

Jackson reportedly claimed his decision to plead guilty was because he has “no interest in wasting the taxpayers’ time or  their money.” According to the Chicago Tribune, Jackson said "Tell everybody back home I'm sorry I let 'em down, OK?,” to a reporter on his way out of the courtroom.

Find out what's happening in Homewood-Flossmoorwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In what might be a mitigating attempt, Jackson’s lawyer, Reid Weingarten, said he plans to make an extensive presentation during the June 28 sentencing date explaining how his known mental condition has affected his behavior.

“That’s not an excuse, that’s just a fact,” Weingarten reportedly said.

Find out what's happening in Homewood-Flossmoorwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Jackson’s wife, former Chicago Alderman Sandi Jackson, is expected to plead guilty later today for tax fraud.

Get the whole story from the Sun-Times Media


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here