Jesse L. Jackson Jr. Sentenced To 30 Month Prison Term
During his hearing, Jesse Jackson Jr. admitted that he “could not have been more wrong” in his actions. He also said his actions would serve as an example to Congress of why it is important to separate political activities from private life.
In addressing the court, Jackson said:
“I misled the American people, I misled the House of Representatives. I was wrong and I do not fault anyone.”
The 48-year-old former politician was sentenced to 2 1/2 years after pleading guilty in February to $750,000 in campaign funds theft. Jackson used the money to purchase various items that included a gold-plated Rolex Watch and fur wraps. His wife Sandra Stevens Jackson, 49, was sentenced to a 12 month term.
Jesse Jackson Jr. asked a judge to sentence him at a facility in Alabama so he could be “far away from everybody for a while.”
According to US District Judge Amy Berman Jackson:
“There may be blurred lines for Congress to follow when their lives are political. This case did not come near those areas. This was a knowing, organized joint misconduct that was repeated over many years.”
Prosecutors had asked for four years jail time for Jackson and 18 months for his wife.
Before the trial Jesse L. Jackson Jr. said he suffered from depression and disappeared for several weeks to receive treatment.
[RELATED READING: Jesse Jackson Jr.: The Most Lavish Items He Bought With Campaign Funds]
Do you think 30 months behind bars is enough of a punishment for stealing $750,000 in campaign finance funds?
