Reports: Jesse Jackson, Jr., signs plea deal

The former Illinois Congressman reportedly signed a deal that includes "significant jail time"

Published February 8, 2013 6:53PM (EST)

According to multiple reports, former Illinois Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr., has signed a plea deal that includes "significant jail time" over charges that he improperly used campaign funds to decorate his home in Washington and to buy a Rolex, among other things.

The Chicago Sun-Times cites a source who says the deal includes "significant jail time," and NBC News reports that federal law subjects Jackson to “not more than 5 years” in prison.

From NBC News:

Under the terms of the deal Jackson signed, he pleads guilty and his fate — as to jail time — would be in the hands of a federal judge, not yet assigned.

He would repay the government hundreds of thousands of dollars — for items like the $40,000 Rolex watch, travel expenses for a woman he described as a “social acquaintance” and furniture purchased for his home.

Jackson, a Democrat, resigned from his seat in late November of last year, shortly after winning reelection. The special election to replace Jackson is currently underway.

 


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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