Jesse Jackson Jr. Under Federal Investigation

For Jesse Jackson Jr., the hits keep on coming. The Illinois congressman is currently under investigation by the FBI and federal prosecutors for alleged financial improprieties, including a possible misuse of funds monitored by Congress, according to NBC News. Sources have said that this investigation in not related to the earlier probe regarding the "scheme to persuade ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich to name him to the Illinois Senate seat of Barack Obama in exchange for $1 million in campaign contributions from a top fundraiser." In addition, Jackson's spokesperson is unable to find the representative but suspects the troubled politician is in Washington, D.C.

The sources said it was unclear whether Jackson, who has not been seen in his office for months, would be charged before the November election — a subject that was discussed between Jackson’s lawyers and the prosecutors this week. Jackson’s lawyers urged the prosecutors not to file charges before the election — but prosecutors refused to make any commitments, the sources familiar with the meeting said.

Either way, the new investigation could ratchet up pressure for Jackson to step aside. Despite his illness — which his office has said involves his treatment for bipolar disorder — Jackson is running for re-election, seeking a 10th term. His lawyers did not return email and phone call request for comment ...

The sources did not specify the financial irregularities being investigated. But the Sun-Times said the case involves misuse of funds or an account monitored by Congress.  It comes weeks after a report that Jackson and his wife, Chicago alderwoman Sandi Jackson, put their Washington DC home on the market for $2.5 million. A campaign spokesman said at first the home was put on the market to pay for medical bills, but the Jackson later took it off the market. 

Read more at NBC News.

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