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Prosecutors Want Jackson Jr. To Serve Four Years In Prison, Wife To Serve 18 Months

By Samantha Abernethy in News on Jun 7, 2013 7:20PM

2013_6_4_jacksonjr.jpg
Former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., leaves U.S. District Court February 20, 2013 in Washington, DC. Jackson and his wife, Sandi Jackson, both pleaded guilty to federal charges after being accused of spending more than $750,000 in campaign funds to purchase luxury items, memorabilia and other goods. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Federal prosecutors recommend former Illinois congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. serve four years in prison, and they recommend his wife, former Chicago alderwoman Sandi Jackson, serve 18 months in prison.

Since the political power couple has two young children, prosecutors suggested the two not serve the sentences at the same time. According to the Tribune, prosecutors say Sandi Jackson should go behind bars first because if she behaves, “she will be back with her children, on home confinement, a little more than a year after the date of her surrender.”

Prosecutors also seek to force Jackson Jr. to pay $750,000 in restitution to his campaign, plus an additional $750,000 forfeiture. Jackson Jr. pleaded guilty in February to spending over $750,000 in campaign funds for personal use, buying Rolexes, fur capes and Michael Jackson memorabilia. Sandi Jackson, who was involved in his campaign, pleaded guilty to a related tax evasion charge. The Jacksons will be sentenced on July 3.

Read the prosecutors' recommendation for sentencing Jesse Jackson:

Jesse Jackson Sentencing Memo

Read the prosecutors' recommendation for sentencing Sandi Jackson:

Sandi Jackson Sentencing Memo

Related:
Fur Capes, Michael Jackson's Fedora And Jesse Jackson Jr.'s Other Campaign Purchases
Plea Deal For Jesse Jackson Jr. Includes 'Significant Jail Time'
Prosecutors Charge Jesse Jackson Jr., Sandi Jackson Of Misusing Campaign Funds
Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.: Son 'Struggling,' 'Under Tight Medical Supervision'