Jackson Jr. May Be In Talks With Feds For Plea Deal

By Samantha Abernethy in News on Nov 8, 2012 3:00PM

According to Sun-Times columnist Michael Sneed, U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-IL) is in plea deal discussions with federal investigators regarding the congressman's alleged misuse of campaign funds.

Just Tuesday, Jackson Jr. coasted to reelection despite his extended absence and both federal investigations — the ongoing investigation of Jackson's role in the Blagojevich scandal and the misuse of campaign funds. According to Sneed, those allegations that Jackson used campaign funds to redecorate his house may be even more serious now, as feds investigate whether Jackson used campaign money to buy a $40,000 watch for a female friend.

According to Sneed, Jackson is still at the Mayo Clinic, and a source says, "No one has pled guilty, but plea discussions are ongoing." If Jackson does decide to plead guilty, he'd have to resign from office and a new election would be called.