The Chicago Tribune is reporting that former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. has been charged with violating federal law by misusing $750,000 in campaign funds. If convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, mail fraud and false statements, he could face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. However, he was charged in a criminal information, which typically suggests that a plea has already been negotiated.
His wife, Sandi Jackson, was charged in an information with one count of filing false tax returns. She faces up to three years in prison, a fine of up to $100,000 and other penalties. Her attorneys released a statement saying she has "reached an agreement with the U.S. attorney’s office to plead guilty to one count of tax fraud."
Jesse Jackson is accused of diverting $750,000 in campaign funds for personal use.
Federal authorities allege that Jesse Jackson used campaign funds to purchase a $43,350 men’s gold-plated Rolex watch, $5,150 worth of fur capes and parkas, and $9,588 in children’s furniture. The purchases were made between 2007 and 2009, according to the criminal information, which authorities noted is not evidence of guilt.
Read more at the Chicago Tribune.