Prosecutors in Washington filed fraud and conspiracy charges against Jackson last weekend. Photo / AP
Countless politicians have been caught indulging secret vices, but few can claim an addiction as eccentric as that of the former US Congressman Jesse Jackson jnr.
Jackson, the 47-year-old son of the veteran civil rights campaigner, the Rev Jesse Jackson, has admitted spending US$750,000 ($888,840) of campaign funds on personal
expenses, including tens of thousands on celebrity memorabilia.
Over four years starting in 2007, the Illinois Democrat is accused of using funds donated to his re-election campaign to buy US$22,700 of Michael Jackson memorabilia, including a US$4600 fedora.
He also spent US$10,105 on Bruce Lee memorabilia, US$11,130 on mementoes of the Rev Martin Luther King, and almost US$9000 on items related to Malcolm X, Jimi Hendrix and Eddie Van Halen.
Last weekend, prosecutors in Washington filed fraud and conspiracy charges against Jackson. His wife, Sandi, 49, is charged with tax fraud after allegedly filing tax returns that under-reported the amount the couple owed. Both intend to plead guilty. Jackson faces a maximum five years in prison and a fine of up to US$250,000. The court could also seize at least US$60,000 of items.
