Jesse Jackson jnr admits misusing funds

Former US congressman Jesse Jackson jnr, the son of a civil rights leader and a one-time rising star in Democratic politics, …

Former US congressman Jesse Jackson jnr, the son of a civil rights leader and a one-time rising star in Democratic politics, pleaded guilty yesterday to misusing about $750,000 in campaign money.

Jackson (47), of Chicago, wept quietly as he entered the plea in US district court in Washington.

Once considered to be the most prominent black politician in the US, Jackson, who dropped out of public view last year and underwent treatment for bipolar disorder, could be sentenced to five years under an agreement with prosecutors.

Jackson’s father, the Rev Jesse Jackson, sat in the front row of a courtroom filled with family, friends and reporters during the hour-long hearing. – (Reuters)