By The Associated Press

Published: Wednesday, February 20, 2013, 12:39 p.m.
Updated: Wednesday, February 20, 2013

WASHINGTON — Former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., holding back tears, entered a guilty plea Wednesday in federal court to criminal charges that he engaged in a scheme to spend $750,000 in campaign funds on personal items. He faces 46 to 57 months in prison under a plea deal with prosecutors.

Before entering the plea, Jackson told U.S. District Judge Robert L. Wilkins, "I've never been more clear in my life" in his decision to plead guilty.

Later, when Wilkins asked if Jackson committed the acts outlined in court papers, the former congressman replied, "I did these things."

Jackson's father, civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, watched the proceedings in the front row, hands folded, with no expression and virtually no movements.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 28.<

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