Supporters, Critics Write Letters To Judge Ahead Of Jacksons' Sentencing
CHICAGO (CBS) -- As former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. and his wife, former Ald. Sandi Jackson, await sentencing on corruption charges, several people have sent in letters in an effort to influence the punishment a federal judge will mete out in July.
WBBM Newsradio's Bernie Tafoya reports the federal court in Washington, D.C., has received more than a dozen letters regarding the Jacksons' sentencing. Fourteen of the letters have been made public, with eight of them calling for leniency and the others calling for harsh punishment when the Jacksons are sentenced.
Letters Seek To Influence Jacksons' Sentences
Ohio Congressomwan Marcia Fudge wants the judge to take into account all the good things Jackson Jr. has done for the poor, not to mention his ability to break the ice during tense moments on the House floor.
The Jacksons have pleaded guilty to federal charges stemming from misuse of campaign funds. Jackson Jr. has admitted to misusing $750,000 in campaign funds on personal expenses, and Sandi has pleaded guilty to failing to report the money as income.
Both have been scheduled for sentencing on July 1. At that hearing, defense attorneys are expected to present medical testimony about Jackson's bipolar disorder in an effort to lessen his sentence.
In her letter on Jackson Jr.'s behalf, Fudge also said, even as he was dealing with bipolar disorder, Jackson Jr. worked tirelessly for the poor.
Relatives of Sandi Jackson want her sentenced to probation to minimize the impact on the Jackson children.
One Wheaton dentist, however, wrote that people are sick and tired of the behavior exhibited by the Jacksons and other politicians.
