Jackson Jr. admitted to spending $750,000 in campaign funds. | M.Scott Mahaskey/POLITICO Jackson Jr. faces 47-57 months

Former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday morning to charges stemming from the misuse of campaign funds.

“Sir, for years I lived off my campaign,” Jackson Jr. told the judge. “I used money I shouldn’t have used for personal purposes.”


( PHOTOS: Jesse Jackson Jr.'s career)

The Chicago Democrat, who appeared somber in court in Washington, D.C., said repeatedly that he was guilty of all of the charges.

“I did those things,” he said more than once, referring to the information provided by the prosecutor.

When asked if he wanted another moment to to consult with his attorneys, Jackson Jr. looked at his father who was seated in the back of the courtroom then turned to the judge.

“I am guilty, your honor,” Jackson Jr. said. “I accept responsibility.”

At 11:12 a.m., the judge officially declared him guilty.

Hours later in the same courtroom before the same judge, his wife, Sandra Jackson, pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax form. She said less than her husband, responding mainly “yes, sir” to all questions and opting not to elaborate or discuss her charges.

Sandra Jackson was also declared guilty, as she openly wept during the proceedings.

Jackson Jr. resigned from office after it became clear that federal officials had mounted a case against him for using campaign funds for personal expenses. According to prosecutors, Jackson Jr. paid for memorabilia, trips, expensive watches and clothes. Jackson Jr. admitted to spending $750,000 in campaign funds, including $43,350 on a gold Rolex watch.

Jackson Jr. told the court he had no interest in going through a trial.

“I have no interest in wasting the taxpayers’ time or money,” he said.

Jackson Jr. could face 47 to 57 months in prison, but the judge warned him repeatedly that he could give a longer or shorter sentence. The sentencing is set for Friday, June 28, at 2 p.m. Sandra Jackson’s sentencing will be Monday, July 1, at 2 p.m.

Both Jacksons were released following booking and a drug test and were ordered to turn in their passports and report weekly to the court. Jackson Jr. is permitted to travel between Chicago and Washington. Sandra Jackson’s attorney Dan Webb explained that Washington is her primary residence, but gained permission for her to travel anywhere in the United States, explaining she would need to visit family.

Jackson Jr.’s attorney Reid H. Weingarten told the judge to anticipate their team making a large presentation as part of the sentencing process.

Jackson Jr. sat, appearing to fight back tears, at the defendant’s table wedged between Weingarten and Judy Smith, the crisis communication specialist whom the ABC television show “Scandal” is based on. Smith spoke to Jackson before the proceedings, pouring him water while he sniffled as the prosecutor read the charges.

The former congressman, who has a law degree, had the entire process explained to him in detail by the judge as he waived his right to trial. For most questions, he softly replied “yes, sir.”

The judge asked Jackson Jr. a series of questions to determine whether he was competent to enter the plea. When asked if he had taken drugs or consumed alcohol in the past 24 hours, he told the court he had a beer the night before. He said that neither his recent hospitalization or other issues were clouding his judgment. Later, his wife would explain that she had a glass of wine the night before.

“I have never been more clear in my life,” Jackson Jr. said.

When asked about waiving his right to have a grand jury hear the facts and issue an indictment, Jackson Jr. told the court he understood.

“I fully understand the consequences of my actions,” he said. “I fully understand the consequences of these proceedings.”

The former Democratic congressman was joined in court by his father, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, and other members of his family. Before the hearing began, the elder Jackson asked one of the attorneys for a piece of paper, which he folded in half. For most of the hearing, the former congressman’s father sat silent and still. While the process of officially pleading guilty proceeded, the Rev. Jackson took notes, scribbling on his leg as he watched.

After the hearing, Weingarten made a brief statement to the press assembled outside the courthouse, explaining that Jackson Jr.’s health has improved and that he has “rounded the corner.”

“There will be another chapter in Jesse Jackson’s life,” Weingarten said. “There will be a chapter that will bring joy to the people he cares about.”

Wednesday afternoon, U.S. Attorney Ronald Machen Jr. said Jackson Jr. engaged in a seven-year effort to defraud his supporters. Machen outlined both examples of when the Jacksons used campaign funds to buy personal items and when the former congressman accepted money from company owners to pay for expenses.

”All of them had the same common purpose, all of them were designed to further finance his exorbitant lifestyle,” Machen said.

Machen refused to disclose how or when the investigation began into Jackson Jr., but said it was independent of any investigations conducted regarding former Illinois Gov. Rob Blagojevich.

The items that were fraudulently purchased — including a fedora worn by Michael Jackson, a guitar used by the same musician and Eddie Van Halen, two elk heads, fur coats and other memorabilia — will likely be auctioned to cover the restitution, Machen said.

Machen said it was one of the worst examples of the misuse of campaign funds.

“I don’t know that we’ve ever seen it to this degree and this scope,” he said. “His campaign funds were a personal piggy bank.”