Jesse Jackson Jr. Guilty of Spending Campaign Funds

CNN 6/7/2013

CNN (WASHINGTON) — Prosecutors are recommending four years in prison for former congressman Jesse Jackson Jr., following his guilty plea this year on criminal charges that he engaged in a scheme to spend $750,000 in campaign funds on personal items.

The government is also recommending that Jackson pay $750,000 in restitution to the campaign.

Court papers filed in the case say Jackson used campaign money to buy items that included a $43,350 gold-plated men's Rolex watch and $9,587.64 worth of children's furniture.

He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 3 along with his wife, Sandra. She pleaded guilty to filing false joint federal income tax returns that understated the income the couple received.

Jackson is a Democrat. He resigned his Illinois congressional seat in November.