comes around goes around

[bellyacher]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. was sentenced to 2 ½ years in prison Wednesday for illegally spending $750,000 in campaign funds on personal items, the judge scolding the son of the famed civil rights leader for using the money as a "piggy bank" and sentencing his wife to a year as well.

However, Jackson, who emotionally apologized to his father, mother, congressional colleagues and others, was given significantly less prison time than federal guidelines recommend, recognized by the judge as a "complex person" who has done both good and bad.

Sandra Jackson, a former Chicago alderman, was sentenced for filing false joint federal income tax returns.

After prison, the former congressman is to spend three years on supervised release and complete 500 hours of community service. If he earns credit for good behavior in prison, he could end up serving closer to two years. He agreed to repay the $750,000 when he pleaded guilty earlier this year.

According to court documents, the Jacksons had spent campaign money on TV's, restaurant dinners, an expensive watch and other costly personal items.

Jackson, 48, had been a Democratic congressman from Illinois from 1995 until he resigned last November. In an emotional speech to the judge, he choked up and used tissues to blow his nose. He apologized and said he wanted to "take responsibility for my actions."

"I misled the American people. I misled the House of Representatives. I misled the Federal Election Commission," he said. "I was wrong."

"I also want to apologize to my dad and to my mother," Jackson added, stopping to compose himself.

The elder Jackson, who sat in the front row during the proceedings, told a crush of reporters outside the courthouse later: "This has been an extraordinarily difficult time for our family."

[JBUG308]

"I misled the American people. I misled the House of Representatives. I misled the Federal Election Commission," he said. "I was wrong."

At least he admitted it, but if he truly meant it is another thing. I can't help to think though, if this had been an average person how hard they would have gotten hit with jail time? I'm sure it would have been more than 2.5 years........

[nachogrande]

what country club is he gonna serve time in, club med?

[3030wiz]

he is also still eligible for gov benefits, retirement, healthcare etc

[drgn4sr]

those Illinois politicians keeps the jails filled. You can't tell me he didn't try to buy the senate seat from "Brago".

[bellyacher]

he is also still eligible for gov benefits, retirement, healthcare etc

that's BS, he should be stripped of all benefits. as being a felon now he cant vote or is that just for the rest of us?

[dadsahuntin]

If you cant vote you shouldnt be able to be voted for. Lots of NY mayors should be facing the same situation.

[GoodOyster]

Loss of rights such as being able to vote, owning firearms, etc. is not the same in every state, and can depend on if the charges were federal or state charges. So just the fact that you are a felon does not necessarily mean your rights are lost forever. They can be restored in some cases.