Ex-Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. Released From Halfway House

Jackson began his prison sentence on Nov. 1, 2013

Former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. was released from a halfway house in Baltimore Monday.

The former representative moved to the halfway house from a Montgomery, Alabama, federal prison and has been staying there since late March.

"My body is slowly being released from the bureau of prisons," Jackson said following his release. "I've experienced and I've accepted the consequences of my behavior, my poor judgment and my actions. My heart has always remained with my family."

The Chicago Sun-Times reports that he will likely finish his prison sentence in home confinement in Washington, D.C.

"My mind and my spirit remain with the men and women whose judgment and whose errors are no different than my own," Jackson said. "There’s no excuse for poor behavior. I’ve experienced some things on this journey for which I will write about and dedicate my life to."

Jackson, who pleaded guilty to spending $750,000 of campaign money on personal items in 2013, began his prison sentence on Nov. 1 of that year. The sentence does not officially end until September of this year, but Jackson became eligible to go home earlier.

After his release, Jackson must spend three years on supervised release under jurisdiction of the U.S. Probation Office and complete 500 hours of community service.

Sandi Jackson, former 7th ward alderman and the wife of Jesse Jackson Jr., will also serve prison time for filing false joint federal income tax returns that knowingly understated the income the couple received.

Among the items the Jacksons bought with campaign money were fur capes, mounted elk heads, a $43,350 gold-plated men's Rolex watch, Bruce Lee memorabilia and $9,587.64 worth of children's furniture, according to court filings.

To accommodate the couple's two children, a judge allowed the Jacksons to stagger their sentences.
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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