A federal judge will sentence Jesse Jackson Junior and his wife for stealing campaign money. His lawyers are expected to bring up the ex-Congressman’s mental illness.
Jackson Junior pleaded guilty in February to stealing $750,000 from his campaign account, and spending it on lavish personal items. Defense attorney Reid Weingarten then suggested he might bring up Jackson’s struggle with bi-polar disorder to argue for a lighter sentence.
"Those health issues are directly related to his present predicament. That’s not an excuse. That’s just a fact," said Weingarten.
Jackson's lawyers have since argued in court filings that bi-polar disorder could lead to compulsive spending. And they say the Democrat may not get the care he needs in prison.
Prosecutors want a federal judge to send Jackson away for four years - and his wife, Sandi, for 18 months. Sentencing is set for Wednesday.
Illinois Public Radio's Alex Keefe contributed to this report.
