Charges filed against Jesse Jackson Jr.

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WASHINGTON, Feb. 15 (UPI) -- The U.S. government Friday filed charges against former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. for allegedly misusing campaign funds.

Jackson, who resigned from Congress in November, was said to be in negotiations with federal prosecutors for a plea deal.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported Jackson was charged with conspiracy, making false statements, and mail and wire fraud. The charges were filed in U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia.

Charges of filing false tax returns were filed against Jackson's wife, former Chicago Alderman Sandi Jackson, who signed tax returns for Jackson's campaign, the Sun-Times said.

Attorneys for Jesse Jackson Jr., who represented a congressional district on Chicago's South Side and southern suburbs, issued a statement in which the former congressman accepted responsibility for "the mistakes I made" and apologized for his actions.

Politico reported the Jacksons allegedly spent $750,000 for personal items.

Jackson is expected to plead guilty and be sentenced to 46-to-57 months in prison and pay a fine of as much as $100,000, Politico said. He also would be required to return some of the $750,000.