Former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. Gets 30 Months In Prison

Jessie Jackson Jr

by Ann E. Marimow and Rachel Weiner, The Washington Post: [Extract] Jesse L. Jackson Jr., a once-promising Illinois congressman, had been sentenced to prison for stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign money to fund an extravagant lifestyle. “I misled the American people, I misled the House of Representatives,” Jackson said as he dabbed his eyes with a pile of tissues. “I was wrong and I do not fault anyone.”

Jackson, 48, was sentenced to 2 1/2 years and his wife, Sandra Stevens Jackson, 49, to a term of 12 months. The couple pleaded guilty in February to using about $750,000 in campaign funds to pay for items from the pedestrian to the luxurious: car repairs and trips to Costco, in addition to fur wraps and a gold-plated Rolex watch.

The public fall of the Illinois Democrat began when Jackson was implicated in allegations that then-governor Rod Blagojevich (D) tried to sell to the highest bidder an interim appointment to the Senate seat vacated by president-elect Barack Obama. Jackson was not charged, but prosecutors investigated allegations that he directed his fundraiser to bring in millions for the governor.

In the end, the judge gave both husband and wife sentences below the federal guidelines, saying she had considered their character and community contributions and that anything more would be “excessive.”

The former congressman will report to prison on or after Nov. 1 and his wife will serve her term after his release. Jackson could serve less than his full sentence if he receives credit for good behavior. The judge also ordered the couple to forfeit $750,000, and Jackson must perform 500 hours of community service. Read Full Article
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In hindsight was former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) telling the truth about the then Illinois and White House thuggery? Why was the sentence lighter than normal and Jackson and his wife allowed to serve their sentences at different times so they could care for their kids? What about other prisoners getting such a deal? Also, seems only fair that since the Jacksons got special treatment then so should other people. And with Jackson only getting 2 /1/2 years in prison, less with less time for good behavior and his wife getting 12 months for their stealing $750,000, it seems only right that Blagojevich should get a reduced sentence as he did not steal money.  What about his family? Will President Obama grant a pardon or even commute the Jacksons' sentences?

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Tags: Jessie Jackson Jr, prion time, Sandra Stevens Jackson, prison time, theft, Rod Blogojevich, Illinois  To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!