WASHINGTON — Former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. pleaded guilty Wednesday in a federal courtroom in Washington, D.C., to conspiring to illegally spend about $750,000 in campaign money on personal uses, including a Rolex, pricey memorabilia, furs and other luxury items.
“For years I lived off my campaign. I used money that should have been for campaign purposes for personal purposes,” Jackson said in court, as he broke down several times, appearing contrite.
Jackson was joined at the hearing by his wife Sandi, who is also facing charges, and his father Rev. Jesse Jackson and his mother Jacqueline, as well as other family members. Jackson could face up to five years in federal prison for filing false information on tax returns.
