WASHINGTON — Jesse L. Jackson Jr., the former Democratic representative from Illinois, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to one count of wire and mail fraud in connection with his use of $750,000 in campaign funds to buy exotic items like fur capes and celebrity memorabilia.
As part of a plea agreement, prosecutors recommended that Mr. Jackson receive a sentence of 46 to 57 months in prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 28.
“For years I lived off my campaign,” said Mr. Jackson, 47, in response to questions from the judge, Robert L. Wilkins of Federal District Court, about the plea. “I used money I shouldn’t have used for personal purposes.”
At one point during the hearing, the judge stopped his questioning of Mr. Jackson, who was crying, so that Mr. Jackson could be given a tissue.
“Guilty your honor — I misled the American people,” Mr. Jackson said when asked whether he would accept his plea. His father, the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, his mother and several brothers and sisters accompanied him at the hearing.
