Jesse Jackson Jr., Sandi Jackson expected to plead guilty

[Freddie Stubbs]

Source: Chicago Tribune

WASHINGTON — Former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., and his wife, former Chicago Ald. Sandi Jackson, are expected to plead guilty to federal charges today, when more details may emerge about an alleged crime spree in which he is accused of spending more than $750,000 in campaign cash to buy luxury items, memorabilia and other goods.

Attorneys familiar with public corruption investigations said the amount of campaign cash allegedly converted to personal use in this case is the largest of any that they can remember.

Jackson Jr., who has been largely out of the public eye for eight months, is to appear in court at 9:30 a.m. Chicago time. His wife is to appear at 1:30 p.m. Chicago time. Both Jacksons will stand before U.S. District Court Judge Robert Wilkins.

Sentencing is not expected for several weeks. Jackson Jr. faces up to five years in prison, while she faces up to three years, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.

Read more: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-jesse-jackson-jr-sandi-jackson-plea-hearings-wednesday-20130219,0,1510803.story

[monmouth3]

1. Junior had it made, his father, like him or not, paved the way and Junior and wife threw it away.

Very sad..

[hamsterjill]

2. I feel the same way.

Like this man was wanting for anything, right? Is it just the "thrill" of taking something that isn't theirs? I never understand why people like this do these things, and why they never think they are going to get caught.

[monmouth3]

3. Exactly. I'd call him spoiled but I don't know him..n/t

[appacom]

4. Jackson's behavior fits the bi-polar profile, but his wife's

seems out and out crooked. I've got bipolar folks in my family and we stay prepared to step in when we observe grandiose behavior. Why didn't Sandi intercede? My mom thinks Jackson played crazy to avoid these charges. I'm not so sure when we look at the sheer stupidity he exhibited. Michael Jackson memorabilia? $45,000 Rolex? That shit is truly looney tunes.

[murielm99]

5. I think his wife just went along.

She may not have realized that his behavior was that of an unbalanced person until it she was in the middle of it. It is kind of like the frog in the pan of water. If the water is boiling when the frog jumps in, he will jump out right away. If the water is not boiling when the frog gets in, he will stay there until he cooks.

Sandi Jackson was always a smart, powerful alderman. I feel as badly for her as I do for anyone in this situation. And let's not judge until we hear everything and it has gone through the courts. I live in Illinois. I know what goes on here. I want to wait and see.

[appacom]

6. I agree with much you said, but some things are just wrong

and that's when your core values are supposed to kick in