Jesse Jackson Jr. Headed To Jail?

Michael Sneed of the Chicago Sun-Times reports on the status of plea negotiations between the United States Attorney and former Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr: 

Sneed has learned a plea deal is now on the table between former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. and federal authorities probing allegations of campaign fund misuse.

Sneed is told the plea deal includes Jackson serving time in federal prison.

Significant jail time is now definitely a part of the deal,” said a top Sneed source close to the probe.

“But I think [Jackson’s wife] Sandi, feels like she was thrown under the bus by her husband, ” now that a separate probe has begun on her, a second source added.

Sandi Jackson claims she was stunned by campaign finance abuse disclosures against her husband, who has been treated for mental disorders and allegedly spent $40,000 on a Rolex watch purchased with campaign funds.

Just last week, Federal investigators opened a separate investigation in to Mrs. Jackson who, until recently, was a Chicago Alderman as well as a paid consultant to her husband’s campaign to the tune of some $5,000 per month. Whether they think she was actually involved in Jackson’s activities or not is unclear, but it certainly does make things interesting.

FILED UNDER: Law and the Courts, US Politics, , , ,
Doug Mataconis
About Doug Mataconis
Doug Mataconis held a B.A. in Political Science from Rutgers University and J.D. from George Mason University School of Law. He joined the staff of OTB in May 2010 and contributed a staggering 16,483 posts before his retirement in January 2020. He passed far too young in July 2021.

Comments

  1. lankyloo says:

    As someone who lives in the congressional district and the ward, and only two blocks away from the Jacksons, all I can say is HOORAY!!!

  2. JWJ says:

    I am a conservative and definitely do NOT agree with JJ Jr.’s politics. But significant jail time, really?

    People knowingly gave money (voluntarily) to a sleazeball. He didn’t physically hurt anybody, he didn’t forcibly take money from anybody, he didn’t cheat his way into political office. As far as I can tell, he spent money people gave to him on personal items.

    That does not warrant jail time. The folks in his district should be able to decide whether they want a scumbag to continue to represent them or not.

  3. Jenos Idanian #13 says:

    Sorry, I disagree. Elected officials convicted of corruption should always do jail time. They’re in a position where they literally have to know it’s illegal, and can do far, far more harm. “Pour encourager les autres,” if you will.

    On the other hand, if it was a choice between sending Junior or Senior to jail, I’d vote for Senior. The Reverend Jackson stole money from his charitable organization to pay off his mistress and to keep her quiet about is illegitimate child. At least Junior was spending on his wife…

  4. Gold Star for Robot Boy says:

    (Jesse Jackson Sr’s phone rings; he answers…)

    “Hello, Dad – I’m in Jail!”

  5. walt moffett says:

    Be interesting to see where the money trail goes and where it doesn’t.

  6. legion says:

    @Gold Star for Robot Boy: Ahhh Liquid Television. Such fond memories.

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