By Larry Yellen, FOX 32 News Legal Analyst - bio | email
CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
It's been one week since Jesse Jackson Jr. signed a deal to plead guilty and Friday, there are signs in Washington that it could become official before the end of the day.
There are strong indications that the plea agreement is expected to be filed around 2 p.m. Friday afternoon.
The former congressman's plea agreement includes admissions that he misused campaign funds by using hundreds of thousands of dollars for personal expenses. He will also plead guilty to conspiracy, making false statements, and mail and wire fraud.
The illegal expenditures included dollars spent redecorating his homes in Washington and Chicago.
Prosecutors will recommend a sentence of between 46 and 57 months as well as a fine of $10,000 to $100,000, and forfeiture of a yet-to-be-determined portion of the misspent $750,000 in campaign funds. It'll be left up to a judge.
When Jackson resigned, he assumed full responsibility for any mistakes, but his wife Sandi Jackson is also under investigation, and her husband's plea agreement may not wrap things up for her.
Prosecutors have been attempting to get Sandi Jackson to sign a plea agreement.
She was his campaign manager and a paid consultant, and the feds are looking at whether she signed off on the illegal spending.
Once the former congressman's plea deal is filed with the clerk, a judge will be assigned to the case, and a date will be set for Jackson to be arraigned and enter his plea of guilty.
We'll be keeping an eye on the D.C. district court Friday and will have updates as warranted.
Monday, February 25 2013 1:41 PM EST2013-02-25 18:41:37 GMT
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Tuesday, February 5 2013 3:09 PM EST2013-02-05 20:09:54 GMT
Millions and millions of people tuned in to watch the Super Bowl, and including our friends serving overseas. Thousands of Chicago-style pizzas were sent overseas Tuesday.
Millions and millions of people tuned in to watch the Super Bowl, and including our friends serving overseas. Thousands of Chicago-style pizzas were sent overseas Tuesday.
Friday, May 24 2013 2:58 PM EDT2013-05-24 18:58:27 GMT
Several military families were honored in Orland Park on Friday, and got to meet country music superstar Tim McGraw. Five of those families are from the Chicago area, and they were excited to meet him.
Several military families were honored in Orland Park on Friday, and got to meet country music superstar Tim McGraw. Five of those families are from the Chicago area, and they were excited to meet him.
Jacqueline Goldberg, 87, lost her $6 million lawsuit against Donald Trump on Thursday. Goldberg's attorney, Shelly Kulwin, spoke with FOX 32 News about the verdict in the Chicago condo trial.
Jacqueline Goldberg, 87, lost her $6 million lawsuit against Donald Trump on Thursday. Goldberg's attorney, Shelly Kulwin, spoke with FOX 32 News about the verdict in the Chicago condo trial.
Friday, May 24 2013 12:58 PM EDT2013-05-24 16:58:00 GMT
CTA Ventra payment card holders who use the card's controversial debit features won't be charged for talking to public transit customer service operators or using the cards for cash ATM withdrawals.
CTA Ventra payment card holders who use the card's controversial debit features won't be charged for talking to public transit customer service operators or using the cards for cash ATM withdrawals.
Friday, May 24 2013 12:51 PM EDT2013-05-24 16:51:23 GMT
Hawthorne Scholastic Academy Principal Nate Petrini spent the night on the roof of his school after losing a bet with his students. He challenged his students to a read-a-thon, and they answered the call.
Hawthorne Scholastic Academy Principal Nate Petrini spent the night on the roof of his school after losing a bet with his students. He challenged his students to a read-a-thon, and they answered the call.
Friday, May 24 2013 12:14 PM EDT2013-05-24 16:14:37 GMT
An Evanston high school varsity baseball team will not play in the playoff tournament this weekend after a group of students, including team members, allegedly "sexted" risque photos to each other.
An Evanston high school varsity baseball team will not play in the playoff tournament this weekend after a group of students, including team members, allegedly "sexted" risque photos to each other.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:00 AM EDT2013-05-24 14:00:34 GMT
The Chicago Bears will retire former head coach Mike Ditka's No. 89. The Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end's number will be officially retired during halftime at the Bears' Monday Night Football game Dec. 9.
The Chicago Bears will retire former head coach Mike Ditka's No. 89. The Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end's number will be officially retired during halftime at the Bears' Monday Night Football game Dec. 9.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:35 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:35:46 GMT
Even though the Chicago Board of Education approved the largest public school closure in American history this week, the fight is not over. Opponents will get their day in court.
Even though the Chicago Board of Education approved the largest public school closure in American history this week, the fight is not over. Opponents will get their day in court.
