Except a miracle takes place, former US Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr and spouse Sandi are to spend several years in prison over campaign fund. The famous African-American family has been in anguish since federal prosecutors last Friday charged Jackson Jr. with one count of conspiracy for allegedly spending $750,000 (about N116 million) in campaign money on personal expenses. The Chicago Democrat’s wife, former alderman Sandra Jackson, was charged with one count of filing false joint federal income tax returns.

Authorities say the returns, for the years 2006 through 2011, knowingly understated the income the couple received.

Both agreed to plead guilty in deals with federal prosecutors. While their sentencing dates have not been set, huffingtonpost.com reports that “the charges both carry possible sentences of several years in prison,” adding that “Jackson Jr. also could be ordered to repay thousands of dollars in fines and forfeitures.”

Profiling Jackson Jr, huffingtonpost.com says that “the son of a civil rights icon, Jackson represented Illinois’ 2nd District, which includes part of Chicago’s South Side and south suburbs, for 17 years. He was wildly popular in his heavily Democratic district, consistently winning elections with more than 80 percent of the vote.”

Continuing, the report says: “Jackson served as national co-chair of Obama’s presidential campaign in 2008 and had his eyes on becoming mayor or a senator. But those hopes were dashed when his name surfaced as part of the Blagojevich corruption investigation and with revelations that Jackson had been involved in an extramarital affair.

“Jackson denied any wrongdoing in the Blagojevich matter, which involved unproven allegations that he was involved in discussions to raise campaign funds in exchange for being appointed to Obama’s vacated U.S. Senate seat.

“Suddenly last summer, Jackson disappeared from public view for several weeks. His staff eventually revealed he was being treated for bipolar disorder and other medical issues.

When Jackson resigned from office in November, he cited his bipolar disorder and acknowledged he also was under federal investigation. Sandi Jackson resigned from her Chicago alderman seat in January.”

Meanwhile, the iconic Rev. Jesse Jackson has spoken of his family’s anguish as jail time looms for his son and wife. He said in a statement that his former congressman son is under strict medical supervision as he struggles with bipolar disorder “compounded by the stresses” of his legal troubles.

In the statement released Monday, the elder Jackson thanked those who have prayed for Jesse Jackson Jr. and his family. He also calls the hurt “indescribable.”

•Photo: For Jackson Jr and wife, jail beckons.

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