Jackson Plea Deal May Include Jail Time; Family Not Talking

By Chuck Sudo in News on Nov 12, 2012 3:00PM

More details are coming out regarding the plea deal being negotiated between federal authorities and Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.

Since Sun-Times gossip columnist Michael Sneed first broke the story last week, CBS 2 reported Friday the plea deal could include jail time and Jackson would resign his seat, citing his health. He would also promise to pay back any campaign contributions spent for personal use. Jackson is alleged to have spent campaign money on redecorating his home and on a Rolex watch for a female friend.

The plea deal is being negotiated by former U.S. Attorney Dan Webb. Webb was one of the prosecutors in the Operation Greylord scandal, helped negotiate the plea deal for former congressman Dan Rostenkowski in 1994, and was appointed earlier this year to investigate the Chicago Police Department’s and Cook County State’s Attorney’s handling of the case involving the 2004 death of David Koschman, who died from injuries sustained from a punch by Daley family relative Richard “R.J.” Vanecko, who was never charged in the murder.

Webb is negotiating for Jackson to keep his pension, but the congressman won’t be able to collect it until he turns 62.

CBS 2 went to Rainbow PUSH headquarters and Jackson’s campaign headquarters for comment. Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. would not comment and staffers at Jackson Jr.’s office would not answer the door.

If Jackson resigns his seat, which he won reelection to handily last week, a special election would be held to fill the vacancy.