Give him the max — that’s the call from plenty of Jesse Jackson Jr.’s former constituents, who would like the judge to sentence him to the full four years of jail time for his admitted campaign spending improprieties while he was a congressman.
Illinois residents have sent a letter to U.S. District Judge Robert Wilkins, asking for the maximum, The Hill reported. Mr. Jackson faces a July 1 sentencing for his admitted role in spending $750,000 of campaign dollars on televisions, appliances, jewelry and movie tickets.
“Murder would be a lighter crime,” Gregory Ritter wrote to the judge, The Hill reported. These defendants have used the political hopes and dreams of the constituents as a blank check for deceit. The crimes of this magnitude are not like a traffic ticket.”
And from another constituent, United Press International reported: “A strong message needs to be sent and an example needs to be made. Please do everything in your power to see that … Jackson pays, and pays dearly, for his egregious and repulsive behavior.”
Mr. Jackson’s attorneys, meanwhile, have asked the judge for leniency, saying their client has a history of mental instability that he’s been trying to treat.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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