"Guilty, your honor. I misled the American people." Jesse Jackson Jr. in court today.

[cali]

At least he came clean.

One-time Democratic Party rising star Jesse Jackson Jr., weeping and repentant as his famous father looked on, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to misusing about $750,000 in campaign funds on luxuries such as fur capes and a Rolex watch.

Jackson, 47, who had represented Illinois in the House of Representatives from 1995 until his resignation in November, told U.S. District Judge Robert Wilkins he had been living off his political campaign funds for years.

When Wilkins asked for Jackson's plea, he responded, "Guilty, your honor. I misled the American people."

Prosecutors said they may ask for a five-year prison sentence in the corruption case - the maximum permitted by law - while Jackson's legal team said it may argue for four or less. Sentencing is scheduled for June 28.

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http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/20/us-usa-crime-jackson-idUSBRE91J0Y220130220

[CincyDem]

1. I hate to see this happen and...

... at least he's got the integrity to own his actions. Better than most elected officials.

[mwrguy]

2. He'll be back

After he's made amends.

[DonP]

3. His wife Sandi (former Chicago Alerperson) also pled gulty to Tax Fraud this PM too

He took one felony count of misusing campaign funds to support a "lavish lifestyle" and she took one count of tax fraud. Both pled guilty and will be sentenced in June or July.

He's facing up to 5 years and she's facing a year. Plus fines and restitution for both of them for the $750,000 they used for trips, Rolex watches, furs etc.

It's all that's been on the news here for the last two days.