Former Illinois congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. began his 30-month sentence at a federal prison in North Carolina today (Oct. 29) for stealing $750,000 in campaign funds after a one-day delay. Jackson’s time in jail isn’t expected to be harsh, as he enters into one of the prime destinations for famous persons serving time.
Jackson arrived at the Butner Federal Correctional Complex , just outside of Raleigh, at 11 a.m. according to a report from Reuters. For reasons unknown, Jackson tried to enter Butner yesterday but was turned away.
NBC News reported that he was flanked by North Carolina Rep. G.K. Butterfield on Monday, saying to reporters that Jackson was in “good spirits” despite the weighty circumstances of his political demise. Jackson was not legally bound to report to the the prison earlier than the court-ordered November 1 date.
Jackson resigned from his office last November, pleading guilty earlier this year to mail fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and making false statements. Jackson served at his post as congressman for 17 years, representing the South suburbs of Chicago.
Jackson’s wife, former Chicago Alderman Sandi Jackson, was also convicted of tax charges in the same investigation, and will begin a one-year sentence once her husband is finished serving his time.
The Butner facility currently houses high-profile names such as Ponzi thief Bernie Madoff and Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard. Past inmates such as John Hinckley Jr. and evangelist Jimmy Baker also have resided in Butner.
Jackson and his wife spent the embezzled funds on lavish items such as a cashmere cape and a $4,600 fedora from late entertainer Michael Jackson’s collection.
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Photo: Reuters
