Jesse Jackson, Jr.: Released from Prison, Enters Halfway House
Chicago State University Prof. Jonathan Jackson, told the Chicago Citizen Newspaper that he and his family are elated that his older brother, former U.S. Congressman, Jesse Jackson, Jr. was released from a federal prison to a Washington, D.C. area halfway house.
“He’s fine and we’re very happy and we’re looking forward to him being home,” Jonathan said.
Jackson, 50, served 17 months of a 2 ½-year prison sentence that began Nov. 1, 2013, in a minimum security facility at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Ala., after pleading guilty to spending $750,000 in campaign money on personal items.
His released date is set for Sept. 20, 2015, according to the Associated Press. Following that, Jackson will spend three years on supervised release under jurisdiction of the U.S. Probation Office and complete 500 hours of community service.
Jackson arrived last Thursday night with members of his family at the Volunteers of America halfway house, where he begins his transition back into society.
"I'm very very happy that I'm with my wife and children, I've missed them a very long time," Jackson was quoted saying "I've made mistakes, and I'm prayerful and hopeful that we're a country of second chances, that the American people and the people of the city of Chicago will consider me for a second chance.”
Jackson was picked up by his family, including his father, civil rights activist the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., who reportedly told reporters it was “a great morning” but that he “won’t be satisfied until he’s (Jackson Jr.) totally free.”
Jackson Jr.’s wife, former Chicago Ald. Sandi Jackson (7th Ward) is expected to serve out her punishment on a related conviction.
The former Ald. was sentenced to a year in prison for filing false joint federal income tax returns that knowingly understated the income the couple received. With consideration to the couple's two children, a judge allowed the Jacksons to stagger their sentences, with the husband going first.
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