Former Illinois congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. addressed a courtroom Wednesday ahead of a sentencing for misappropriating $750,000 in campaign funds. He tearfully apologized, saying, “ I didn’t separate my personal life from my political activities, and I couldn’t have been more wrong,” according to the Chicago Tribune. He wept openly, reports the Tribune.
He may face up to five years in prison, according to USA Today. Jackson pleaded guilty in February to the charges, having bought luxury goods and services with campaign funds. He spent $43,350 on a gold-plated Rolex watch and $5,687 on a retreat to Martha’s Vineyard, for example, according to USA Today.
His parents were in the court Wednesday as he made his apology, and he particularly expressed his regrets to them.
Jackson’s lawyer Reid Weingarten said Jackson’s bi-polar disorder impacted his judgment, reports the Tribune, though Jackson did not plead guilty by reason of insanity.
Jackson’s wife, Sandi, 49, will also be sentenced Wednesday by federal Judge Amy Berman Jackson (no relation to the defendants). Sandi Jackson is charged with failing to report about $600,000 in taxable income, according to the Tribune.
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