Mayors ask Biden to pardon Jesse Jackson Jr.

Source: NBC News

Sept. 6, 2024, 4:29 PM EDT


Nine Chicago-area mayors sent a letter to President Joe Biden Friday seeking a pardon for former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., the namesake son of the legendary civil rights leader who was honored at last month's Democratic National Convention.

In 2013, Jackson Jr. pleaded guilty to conspiring with his then-wife, Sandi Jackson, to illegally use $750,000 in campaign funds for personal purposes. He was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison and served about half of that term behind bars before being released to a halfway house in March 2015 to finish the sentence.

"We worked with him on a regular basis. His concern and care for his constituents' needs were always present," the mayors of South Chicago suburbs wrote. "Like you, we also make decisions that affect people in their everyday life. Oftentimes we must reflect upon 'never judging a man based on his worst day.' We believe that Congressman Jackson has better days ahead."

The push for a pardon comes the day after Biden's son, Hunter, pleaded guilty to federal tax charges. Earlier this year, the younger Biden was convicted on three counts related to his illegal purchase of a handgun. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters Thursday that the president remains committed to his promise not to pardon his son. The White House declined to comment on the mayors' request that Biden pardon Jackson Jr.

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/mayors-biden-pardon-jesse-jackson-jr-rcna169939