Jackson is a free man for now, but how long will that last? Source close to the family tell FOX 32's Darlene Hill that if he hasn't already reached an agreement with the feds, he's pretty close.
One of the things he was asking for was a disability package and sources say, he got it.
Before handing in his letter of resignation and giving up his seat in the 2nd District, Jackson applied for his disability package. That was done in mid-October, after Jesse Jackson Jr. checked out of the Mayo Clinic where he was being treated for bi-polar disorder.
Sources say the former congressman received that approval letter in November just days before giving up the congressional seat he'd held since 1995.
The feds have been talking to Jesse Jackson Jr. since the end of April. Sources say he went into a deep depression in June--at times crying uncontrollably. He hired a prominent Chicago attorney in august to negotiate a plea agreement.
At that time, the federal government had two open investigations on the former congressman. One investigation involved "play to pay" politics and if Jackson tried to buy President Barack Obama's former senate seat.
Sources also tell FOX 32 that Jackson Jr. got nervous after the feds questioned him about misusing campaign funds. They want to know where the money came from to remodel the family's South Shore bungalow in Chicago and to pay for a $42,000 Rolex for a female friend.
FOX 32 first reported months ago that Jackson's plea deal would include jail time. Sources also tell FOX 32 that to shave time off his sentence, Jackson may be naming names and giving the feds info on big contributors to his campaign. Sources say one of those donors has already been contacted and questioned by the federal government.
Jackson's wife, former Alderman Sandi Jackson gave her seat in the 7th ward up last month. The federal government is investigating her because sources say she was a paid consultant with the former congressman's campaign operation. She has hired on an attorney and has already met with the feds.
FOX 32's sources also say that Jesse Jackson Jr. is walking away from Congress with pension, where he'll get about 85 percent of his pay and the disability package. If he is convicted of wrongdoing, he will lose that pension.
Thursday, June 13 2013 1:45 PM EDT2013-06-13 17:45:09 GMT
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 9:55 PM EDT2013-06-13 01:55:01 GMT
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:56 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:56:25 GMT
After collecting tens of thousands of dollars for themselves on Wednesday, members of the General Assembly plan to kick the can of public employee pension reform down the road for at least one more month.
After collecting tens of thousands of dollars for themselves on Wednesday, members of the General Assembly plan to kick the can of public employee pension reform down the road for at least one more month.
Human rights advocate Marianne Elliot wrote "Zen under Fire," a powerful memoir about her experience as a U.N. peacekeeper in war-torn Afghanistan. She also does yoga to de-stress in her everyday life.
Human rights advocate Marianne Elliot wrote "Zen under Fire," a powerful memoir about her experience as a U.N. peacekeeper in war-torn Afghanistan. She also does yoga to de-stress in her everyday life.
Monday, June 17 2013 3:09 PM EDT2013-06-17 19:09:21 GMT
On the first day of deliberation, the jury hearing former Chicago alderman Ambrosio Medrano's trial found him guilty of bribery. He could face up to five years in prison.
On the first day of deliberation, the jury hearing former Chicago alderman Ambrosio Medrano's trial found him guilty of bribery. He could face up to five years in prison.
Monday, June 17 2013 2:44 PM EDT2013-06-17 18:44:33 GMT
A spokeswoman for Gov. Pat Quinn says he has fully backed the tough pension proposal supported by the Illinois House and has "fought hard" to get it passed.
A spokeswoman for Gov. Pat Quinn says he has fully backed the tough pension proposal supported by the Illinois House and has "fought hard" to get it passed.
Monday, June 17 2013 12:03 PM EDT2013-06-17 16:03:54 GMT
Carla Oglesby is accused of using fake contracts to scam hundreds of thousands of dollars to herself and her friends, from local vendors. She was first arrested nearly three years ago.
Carla Oglesby is accused of using fake contracts to scam hundreds of thousands of dollars to herself and her friends, from local vendors. She was first arrested nearly three years ago.
Friday, June 14 2013 9:36 PM EDT2013-06-15 01:36:02 GMT
Lawyers for Jesse Jackson Jr. assert in a court filing that the former Illinois congressman's mental health may worsen if he is given a lengthy prison sentence.
Lawyers for Jesse Jackson Jr. assert in a court filing that the former Illinois congressman's mental health may worsen if he is given a lengthy prison sentence.
Friday, June 14 2013 8:46 PM EDT2013-06-15 00:46:35 GMT
Political observers will be closely watching as New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie participates in a discussion at the Clinton Global Initiative in Chicago.
Political observers will be closely watching as New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie participates in a discussion at the Clinton Global Initiative in Chicago.
