Jesse Jackson Jr. - Criminal Plea

[HairOfTheDog]

On July 3^rd, the federal judge will hand down the sentences for Jr. and his wife Sandi. Looks like they're both going to serve time...fingers crossed.

On June 7^th, federal prosecutors recommended 18 months behind bars for former Chicago Alderman, Sandi Jackson. She is expected to be out in around a year, assuming good behavior, if the judge sentences her according to prosecutors' recommendations. Due to the couple having 2 small children, prosecutors recommended she serve time ahead of her husband.

On June 7^th, federal prosecutors recommended 4 years behind bars for former Chicago Congressman, Jesse Jackson Jr. His attorneys have asked to judge for less time and leniency, citing his bi-polar disorder.

Federal prosecutors also recommended that Jr. pay $750,000 in restitution to the campaign, and that Sandi Jackson makes a restitution payment of $168,000. Yesterday, prosecutors filed a motion in federal court to allow the feds to seize one of the Jacksons' two homes.

While Jr. cooperated in the investigation near its end and pleaded, he had no damn choice. The feds had been all over him since the Blagojevich investigation/conviction, during which time Jr. was actually increasing his stealing and acting above it all. The feds were closing in on him when Jr. suddenly fell off the map due to his newly diagnosed bi-polar disorder. I hope like hell the judge doesn't reduce the recommended sentence based on his "medical condition". It's bullshit. I don't think she will, plenty of bi-polar prisoners in the system getting meds from prison doctors - Jr. shouldn't get special treatment.

Criminally greedy people. This from the sentencing recommendation hearing:
“Before defendant or his wife stole a dime, they received substantial incomes,” the government wrote, adding that in 2011, for example, their combined income was around $344,000 — putting them among the nation’s high earners.

“This offense, at its core, is about greed and entitlement: defendant wanting more than even his substantial resources could afford him and believing he was entitled to both the items desired and campaign funds to purchase those items,” the government said.


Sources:
http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/news/2060...onths.html
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013...ackson-jr/

[HairOfTheDog]

Seems like finally some appropriate penalties for corrupt politicians could be coming down the pike, setting an example for others. Good. Justice.

But then....

Based on a vague statement made by his defense attorneys on June 7^th (regarding Jr.'s current means of income), the Chicago Tribune is investigating the possibility that Jr. has been collecting Federal Employees Retirement System, or FERS, disability on the basis of his alleged bi-polar condition.

Under program rules, potential payments in the first year would total $8,700 a month — or $104,400 a year. The potential payments would drop to $69,600 annually in subsequent years.

I certainly hope that Jr. hasn't been receiving such benefits all of these months since he left office. But, if he has, they should be suspended once he's officially sentenced. I'm gonna keep watching the investigation. Jr. shouldn't be able to go from stealing from campaign funds to earning a healthy income off of disability payments while he waits to be incarcerated.

Source:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local...3644.story

[HairOfTheDog]

Sentencing was delayed until August due to a court scheduling conflict.

[NightOwl]

Sentencing was delayed until August due to a court scheduling conflict.

Thanks for the update! I can hear a big sigh of relief from gravy train Jr.

[HairOfTheDog]

Sentencing was delayed until August due to a court scheduling conflict.

Thanks for the update! I can hear a big sigh of relief from gravy train Jr.

Well, judgment day is coming soon.

Sentencing for Jr. and Sandi is now scheduled for August 14^th.

Meanwhile, the details regarding how he will repay the $750k he stole are being hashed out.

A judge signed an order on August 2^nd that will give Jr. time to pay back the $750,000 forfeiture arising out of his criminal case.

In the order, the judge agreed to a request from lawyers in the case to postpone until Oct. 25 a decision on whether the government may seize Jr.'s interest in two homes and an individual retirement account should he fail to pay up.

I don't even know why it's a question. Don't pay your debts, asset repo time. That's how it works.

[HairOfTheDog]

Sentencing Handed Down - Incarceration and Financial Restitution

Prosecutors didn't get the full sentences that they sought, but at least the Jacksons are both serving time.

Hope this sends a message to other corrupt greedy politicians.

The judge handed down the following sentences today:

1. Sandi Jackson will serve 12 months in jail and pay $22k for tax fraud (prosecutors had sought 18 months and $168k). Her sentence begins on Nov. 1^st.

2. Jesse Jackson, Jr will serve 3 years and will repay the full $750k that he misappropriated (prosecutors had sought 4 years and $750k). His sentence will begin after his wife's sentence ends.

After the sentencing, Jr. made a statement apologizing, acknowledging his wrong-doing, saying that he manned up, and professing his belief in the power of forgiveness and redemption. I hope he doesn't plan on making a political comeback in 5 years, but suspect that's probably already in the planning stages.

Ref:
http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/14/justice/je...?hpt=hp_t2

[Maggot]

He is a piece of shit!

[NightOwl]

Sentencing Handed Down - Incarceration and Financial Restitution

Prosecutors didn't get the full sentences that they sought, but at least the Jacksons are both serving time.

Hope this sends a message to other corrupt greedy politicians.

The judge handed down the following sentences today:

1. Sandi Jackson will serve 12 months in jail and pay $22k for tax fraud (prosecutors had sought 18 months and $168k). Her sentence begins on Nov. 1^st.

2. Jesse Jackson, Jr will serve 3 years and will repay the full $750k that he misappropriated (prosecutors had sought 4 years and $750k). His sentence will begin after his wife's sentence ends.

After the sentencing, Jr. made a statement apologizing, acknowledging his wrong-doing, saying that he manned up, and professing his belief in the power of forgiveness and redemption. I hope he doesn't plan on making a political comeback in 5 years, but suspect that's probably already in the planning stages.

Ref:
http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/14/justice/je...?hpt=hp_t2

Thanks! HairOfTheDog for the update. Thanks to the prosecutors!

Judgement day arrived! Weasels got the boot.