Former U.S. Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. has been sentenced to 30 months in prison on Wednesday, largely due to the misappropriation of his campaign finances, CNN reported. Sandi Jackson, the ex-Illinois lawmaker's wife Sandi also received a 12-month sentence for her role in misusing roughly $750,000.
"I misled the American people. Today I manned up and tried to accept responsibility for the error of my ways," Jackson said. The husband and wife pleaded guilty in February to different charges. Jackson admitted to on count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud and false statements while his wife admitted to filing false tax returns.
Jesse Jackson, son of the civil rights leader, also admitted to using campaign for vacations, Michael Jackson memorabilia, DVD players from Bests Buy, dresses and jewelry from a small boutique and a Rolex watch. In total, prosecutors said Jackson made more than 3,000 purchases, CNN reported.
"I ask that my kids not suffer from my actions," Jackson said ."If probation is not available to my wife, give me her time." He has two children aged 9 and 13.
"I stand before you today asking for mercy," Sandi Jackson added."My heart breaks every day with the pain it's caused my babies. I ask the court for mercy."
Prosecutors had sought a four-year sentence for Jackson.
Jackson will begin his sentence around November 1 at a prison camp in Montgomery, Alabama, according to District Judge Amy Berman Jackson asserted.
"The real remorse you've shown is palpable in this courtroom," Berman said. "There's no question you've suffered. Your remorse is real."
In addition to serving time in prison, Jackson must also repay in full the money he misused; his wife also was ordered to make restitution of $22,000, CNN reported.
Jackson served in the House of Representatives from 1995 until 2012. His lawyers later stated that he suffers from bipolar disorder.
"I still believe in the power of redemption," Jackson Jr. said.
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