Jesse Jackson Jr. pleads guilty in campaign case - WNCT | 9 On Your Side Greenville NC & Eastern NC News

Jessie Jackson Jr. wiped tears from his eyes and looked at his family in the court room as Judge Robert Wilkins read the charges against him.

Jackson, entered a plea by saying, "I am guilty your honor."

And with that statement, the former congressman became a convicted felon.

In separate hearings, both Jackson and his wife plead guilty to charges they spent more than $700,000 in campaign cash on themselves. Items include a $43,000 Rolex watch, $9,000 on furniture and more than $5,000 on expensive clothes.

Jackson Jr. spent 17 years in Congress, but he took a leave of absence last summer and entered treatment for bi-polar disorder.

Jackson made his admission as part of a guilty plea, which included up to 5 years in prison. But Judge Robert Wilkins said several times during the proceedings, that he is not bound by the plea agreement.

Jackson's deal requires him to repay $750,000 in campaign funds, including money he used to for travel and meals with a mistress. He also has to turn over Bruce Lee and Michael Jackson memorabilia he bought, including a $4,000 guitar and a $4,600 fedora.

The couple is expected to be sentenced in the coming weeks.

As a convicted felon, Jessie Jackson Jr. had to give up his right to vote.