Rev Jesse Jackson's son on fraud charge to be sentenced today, blames bipolar disorder

WASHINGTON (AP):

At a sentencing hearing today son of civil rights activist Rev Jesse Jackson, choked back tears, as he appologised to the American people, his family and his father.



The former Illinois congressman Jesse Jackson Jr and his wife pleaded guilty to misusing $750,000 in campaign money on splurges such as a gold-plated Rolex watch, vacations and mounted elk heads.



Jackson told the federal judge that he hoped his son and daughter wouldn't suffer because of his actions and that his wife, Sandra, would receive probation.



If not, he would be willing to serve her sentence for her.



"Give me her time," Jackson said.



For himself, Jackson said he wanted to serve his prison time in Alabama where he could be away a while and it would be "a little inconvenient for everybody to get to me."



Forty-eight-year-old Jackson entered a guilty plea earlier this year to conspiring to defraud his campaign.



Jackson's lawyer, Reid Weingarten, described his client as "a very special guy" who can be charming and kind but whose behavior reflected mental illness.



Citing the brazenness of his illegal spending, prosecutors are recommending a four-year prison term for the Chicago Democrat.



United States District Judge Amy Berman Jackson — who is not related to the defendants — could give him as little as probation or impose the maximum five-year prison term.



Jackson's wife Sandra, 49, a former Chicago alderman, pleaded guilty to filing false tax returns, and prosecutors are seeking 18-month sentence for her crimes.



But as a concession, they have asked that the couple's sentences be staggered so one Jackson would be free to care for their two children while the other is behind bars.



In letters to the court prior to Wednesday's sentencing in Washington, the former congressman's family urged the judge to go easy on him, blaming much of his bad behavior on his recent diagnosis of bipolar disorder.



"I appeal to you for mercy," Jackson's father wrote in one letter. "Jesse Jr is an example as a teacher and counselor who will be better served under supervision and probation."



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