CHICAGO — Days after fallen power couple Jesse Jackson Jr. and wife Sandi Jackson were hit with federal charges, the Rev. Jesse Jackson is asking for prayers for his troubled son and daughter-in-law.
"Jesse remains under tight medical supervision," civil rights leader Jackson said of his son, former U.S. representative of the 2nd Congressional District. "He is struggling with the highs and lows of his bipolar disorder. Please pray for him, Sandi and their children."
The couple were slapped with federal charges on Friday.
Prosecutors allege that Jackson Jr. misused more than $750,000 in campaign funds to buy such luxury items as fur capes, Bruce Lee memorabilia and Martin Luther King Jr. memorabilia, among other pricey items. He could face up to five years in prison, while his wife could face up to three years.
Sandi Jackson, who recently resigned as 7th Ward alderman, was accused of filing false tax returns.
Both are expected to plead guilty.
Jackson Jr. had been re-elected to the House in November despite his absence from Congress and the federal investigation into his campaign finances. He resigned about two weeks after his re-election. The Chicago politician spent part of 2012 on medical leave and being treated at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota for bipolar disorder.
"During this difficult and painful ordeal, our family has felt the impact of your prayers and calls," Rev. Jackson said. So many ministers have reached out to us, and we thank you. The hurt in this valley is indescribable."
