Former Illinois Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. is going to prison.

Jackson was sentenced today (Wednesday) in Washington to 2½ years in prison for misusing $750,000 in campaign funds. Jackson apologized during his sentencing hearing.

"I misled the American people," Jackson said. "I also want to apologize to my dad and my mother. I take responsibility for my actions and I'm very sorry for what I have done."

His lawyer, Reid Weingarten, said the sentence – less than the four years prosecutors requested– was fair. "No one's celebrating today, obviously. The fall from grace is complete.

My client, Jesse Jackson, went from an enormously respected, charismatic long-term member of Congress to a convicted felon who's about to be incarcerated, so it's a day of deep sadness," he said outside the courthouse after the sentencing.

Jackson served in Congress from 1995-2012, representing a district that included parts of Chicago and the South Suburbs, including Kankakee.

His wife Sandi Jackson, who was also part of the crime, gets one year in prison. Jesse will go first, reporting on Nov. 1, so Sandi can stay home with their children. She must report to prison 30 days after Jesse Jackson Jr. gets out.

{Metro News}