Sandi Jackson Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion
Washington, DC—(ENWESPF)—February 15, 2013. Federal officials filed charges Friday against former congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. who has allegedly signed a plea deal alleging that he improperly spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign funds including $10,000 worth of Bruce Lee memorabilia, more than $20,000 worth of Michael Jackson memorabilia, thousands of dollars worth of Martin Luther King memorabilia, and fur coats.
READ THE FULL INDICTMENT HERE.
Jackson released through his attorneys his first statement to the public in months saying:
“Over the course of my life I have come to realize that none of us are immune from our share of shortcomings and human frailties. Still I offer no excuses for my conduct and I fully accept my responsibility for the improper decisions and mistakes I have made. To that end I want to offer my sincerest apologies to my family, my friends and all of my supporters for my errors in judgment and while my journey is not yet complete, it is my hope that I am remembered for the things that I did right.”
It is being reported that prosecutors will recommend a prison sentence for between 46 and 57 months. In addition, Jackson Jr. must repay the government hundreds of thousands of dollars for items such as a $40,000 Rolex watch, travel expenses for a woman he described as a “social acquaintance” and furniture purchased for his home.
Jackson’s wife, former Chicago Alderman Sandi Jackson, has also been charged with falsifying her tax returns and reporting less income than she made. Mrs. Jackson has pled guilty to the tax offense. The charge carries a maximum prison sentence of 3 years. However, according to her attorney Tom Kirsch, Mrs. Jackson’s plea agreement calls for significantly less time.
READ THE SANDI JACKSON INDICTMENT HERE.
Mrs. Jackson’s attorney’s released the following statement:
“Today, Sandi Jackson reached an agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to plead guilty to one count of tax fraud. Ms. Jackson has accepted responsibility for her conduct, is deeply sorry for her actions, and looks forward to putting this matter behind her and her family. She is thankful for the support of her family and friends during this very difficult time.”
Jackson Jr., the son of famous civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson, has been the subject of a federal investigation into potential misuse of campaign funds since he left office to seek medical treatment on June 10, 2012.
