Former US lawmaker Jackson Jr admits fraud
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Former US Republican Jesse Jackson Jr (right) departs the US District Federal Courthouse in Washington on Feb 20, 2013. Jackson Jr, the son of the well-known civil rights leader, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to stealing US$750,000 (S$929,834) in campaign donations to fund a lavish lifestyle. -- FILE PHOTO: REUTERS
WASHINGTON - Former US congressman Jesse Jackson Jr, the son of the well-known civil rights leader, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to stealing US$750,000 (S$929,834) in campaign donations to fund a lavish lifestyle.
The admission capped a stunning fall from grace for the Illinois Democrat who was once a rising national star but resigned under a cloud in November after 17 years in the House of Representatives.
"Today's guilty plea is nothing short of tragic," US Attorney Ronald Machen said.
"Jesse Jackson, Jr. entered public life with unlimited potential, but squandered his bright future by engaging in a self-destructive course of conduct that was staggering in both degree and scope."
