Former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. completes prison sentence

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 (UPI) -- Former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. completed his prison sentence Friday, making way for his wife Sandi to begin her prison time nearly three years after pleading guilty to spending $750,000 in campaign money on personal items.

The Illinois Democrat, who spent two years in an Alabama federal prison and has been on home confinement in Washington, D.C., since March, was released and his GPS ankle monitor was removed. He still must perform 500 hours of community service.

Jackson was released two days early because his official release date was the weekend, Bureau of Prisons spokesman Ed Ross said.

The couple pleaded guilty in 2013 to using campaign funds for personal expenses. Jesse Jackson Jr. pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit false statements and mail and wire fraud and Sandi Jackson pleaded guilty to filing a false federal income tax return.

Sandi Jackson is due report to prison in 30 days to serve one year now that her husband has been released. Their prison terms were staggered so one parent would remain with their children.