Jesse Jackson Jr. and wife Sandi jailed for misusing campaign funds (VIDEO)
U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill.) talks to constituents at a town hall meeting August 18, 2009 in Chicago, Illinois.
Both Jacksons are going to jail.
Former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. and his wife, Sandi, will spend 2.5 years and one year, respectively, behind bars on charges of misusing about $750,000 in campaign funds.
In addition, Jackson Jr. will serve three years of supervised release following his prison term.
Sandi Jackson will be monitored for one year.
The couple wept as they apologized for their crimes before sentencing.
“I misled the American people. I misled the House of Representatives … I was wrong and I don't fault anyone," Jackson Jr. told a federal courtroom in Washington, D.C.
The son of civil-rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson also apologized to his parents, who were present in the courtroom.
Reading from a written statement, Sandi Jackson said: "I want to begin by apologizing first to my family, to my friends, my community and my constiuents for the actions that brought me here today."
Jackson Jr. pleaded guilty in February to looting his campaign funds to buy lavish personal items including a Rolex watch, fur cape and celebrity memorabilia.
Sandi Jackson, a former Chicago alderman, pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of willingly filing a false tax return.
The Jacksons have asked the court to have their sentences staggered so one of them can care for their two children aged nine and 13.
Watch the AP's video report on it here:
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