Home US Rev. Jesse Jackson pleads with Biden to pardon his son on the same day Hunter gets a reprieve

Rev. Jesse Jackson pleads with Biden to pardon his son on the same day Hunter gets a reprieve

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Jesse Jackson Jr.

The same day President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter, the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. asked the Democrat to extend the same courtesy to his own son.

Former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. spent 30 months in prison a decade ago after spending about $750,000 in campaign money on more than 3,000 personal purchases, including a Michael Jackson fedora, a Rolex watch and fur coats.

In a two-page letter to Biden: obtained by Politicothe 83-year-old civil rights leader explained away his son’s spending problem.

“While my son came to Congress with my ‘big’ name, our family did not have ‘big’ financial statements for our years of civic and public service,” Jackson wrote. “He had no basis for living in two places with a family, and for ten years he spent the money he raised each year – not taxpayer money – totaling $75,000 a year on certain personal expenses and living expenses. ‘

Jackson and his then-wife Sandi signed plea agreements, with Jackson pleading guilty to fraud, conspiracy, making false statements, mail fraud, wire fraud and criminal forfeiture.

“Like Hunter, federal investigations start in one place and always end somewhere else,” the elder Jackson said.

He asked Biden to grant his son and former daughter-in-law a “full and absolute pardon.”

“I beg you to consider his full freedom, as opposed to his continued punishment in the form of ‘crime,’” Jackson wrote. “It is my hope that his pardon… will ensure that both his and Hunter’s criminal records are expunged,” the civil rights leader added.

Jesse Jackson Sr. with President Joe Biden in 2023

Former Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. (left) spent 30 months in prison after spending $750,000 in campaign money on more than 3,000 personal purchases. His father, prominent civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. (right), President Joe Biden asked for a pardon for his son

Speaking to Politico, Jesse Jackson Jr. confirmed that he had filled out documents to formally request a pardon from Biden — after failing to do so with Democratic President Barack Obama after he was released from prison in 2015.

‘I spent thirty months in prison. I did what the judge told me to do on behalf of the people. I honored it. I have pleaded guilty. No jury had to find me guilty. So I had control over my behavior,” the younger Jackson said.

‘But the crimes don’t stop. My marriage ended. My house is almost bankrupt. I’m having trouble getting hired. It doesn’t end,” he continued, adding that it is even more difficult for others to reenter society. “It shouldn’t be a life sentence.”

In his letter, Jackson Sr. emphasized that spending reforms were necessary because it was unaffordable for many U.S. officials to maintain two homes as members of Congress — one in a home district and then a place to live in Washington.

“In addition to your consideration of pardoning my son and his ex-wife, I pray that some measure of relief and reform may come from this letter for the benefit of all citizens, and the elected citizens who go to Washington DC to to serve our citizens. country,” Jackson wrote.

Jackson noted that his son has made “full financial restitution” — meaning the house where his grandchildren live in Washington, D.C. is now close to foreclosure.

“Whether they come from a position of established wealth or from a position of fewer resources, I pray that they find service to the American experiment a joy and not a burden, as they live in two places, protect and raise their children, and take care of their children. families, while protecting and caring for the American family,” Jackson wrote.

The elder Jackson ended the letter by referring to Hunter again.

Jesse Jackson Sr.'s letter was addressed to President Joe Biden — pictured Wednesday during his trip to Angola — on the same day Biden announced he would pardon his son Hunter

Jesse Jackson Sr.’s letter was addressed to President Joe Biden — pictured Wednesday during his trip to Angola — on the same day Biden announced he would pardon his son Hunter

“President Biden, even as I write this, I realize the burden you bear for your own son’s future,” Jackson said. “I will keep you in prayer as you weigh the balance of his life and the power of forgiveness.”

Jackson Sr. has suffered from Parkinson’s disease since 2015 and retired last year.

Biden sent a statement at the time commenting on their “decades of friendship and partnership.”

“Jill and I are grateful to Pastor Jackson for his lifetime of dedicated service and extend our appreciation to the entire Jackson family,” Biden said.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether Biden Jackson Jr. would grant pardon.

Politico reported this on Wednesday that Biden’s aides are discussing whether some of newly elected President Donald Trump’s political enemies should receive blanket pardons before the Democrat leaves office on January 20.

Among those mentioned in the story were Senator-elect Adam Schiff — who said he does not want a preemptive pardon — former GOP Rep. Liz Cheney and Dr. Anthony Fauci, who has been criticized by Trump’s MAGA allies over the COVID-19 pandemic. answer.

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