The Reverend Jesse Jackson sent a letter to President Joe Biden, asking him to pardon his son, former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. and his former daughter-in-law, Sandi.
Jackson Jr. pleaded guilty in 2013 to misusing about $750,000 in campaign funds to pay for his family’s lavish lifestyle. He spent 23 months in prison. Sandi Jackson also pleaded guilty in 2013 to filing false tax returns, failing to declare about $600,000, and spent 11 months in custody.
“In addition to your pardon consideration for my son and his former wife, I pray that, perhaps, some measure of relief and reform may result from this letter for the benefit of all citizens, and those elected citizens who go to Washington D.C. to serve our country,” Jackson wrote in his letter.
Jackson senior noted that both his son and former daughter-in-law have pleaded guilty to their crimes and have already completed their sentences, including paying full restitution. A pardon, therefore, would formally erase their criminal records.
“My grandchildren would do well and find hope in seeing both their father and their mother, former Chicago Alderwoman Sandra Stevens Jackson, receive forgiveness,” he wrote.
Subsequently, the civil rights leader’s son shared his father’s letter on his Facebook page, where he also posted numerous links, pictures and other messages to support his request for a pardon.
This is not the first time the former U.S. congressman’s case has been brought to President Biden’s attention. As far back as September nine mayors wrote a letter to Biden asking him to pardon the two now ex-spouses.
