Jesse Jackson Jr. pleads guilty

The former Congressman has officially pleaded guilty to misuse of campaign funds

Published February 20, 2013 5:32PM (EST)

Former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr, D-Ill., officially pleaded guilty to misusing about $750,000 in  campaign funds on Wednesday, as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors that could result in up to five years in prison time.

"Guilty, your honor. I misled the American people," Jackson said, Reuters reports.

Jackson was charged with using his campaign funds to redecorate his home in Washington, and to buy, among other things, a Rolex.

Though he won reelection in November, Jackson resigned his seat later that month. There is currently a special election underway to replace him.

Judge Robert Wilkins set Jackson's sentencing hearing for June 28.


By Jillian Rayfield

Jillian Rayfield is an Assistant News Editor for Salon, focusing on politics. Follow her on Twitter at @jillrayfield or email her at jrayfield@salon.com.

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2012 Elections Campaign Finance Chicago Illinois Jesse Jackson Jr.