Jackson’s misfortunes began earlier this year when it was uncovered that he spent official campaign funds on a $40,000 Rolex watch for a female friend and the decorating of his Washington, D.C. home.
Jesse Jackson Jr. may have won reelection last Tuesday, but don’t expect him to finish (or possibly even start) his new term. The Illinois Democrat is currently facing charges for misuse of campaign funds, and apparently trying to cut a deal with his federal accusers. And while details on that deal are sketchy, it is considered near certain that Jackson will have to resign, pay back the money he embezzled and possibly serve time in jail – a far cry from the House of Representatives.
The Huffington Post reports on Jackson’s troubles, via CBS News:
CBS Chicago reported Saturday that veteran criminal defense attorney and former U.S. Attorney Dan Webb is negotiating a deal that tentatively includesthe congressman pleading guilty to misusing campaign funds, resigning for health reasons, repaying any campaign contributions that went toward personal expenditures and — almost inevitably — some jail time.
The negotiations are expected to be wrapped up by the year’s end, according to CBS. […]
Members of Chicago’s City Council, of which Jackson’s wife Sandi Jackson is a member, criticized the congressman after news of the reported plea deal went public.
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