The Rev. Jesse Jackson spoke publically about his son's medical and legal troubles on Monday in a statement made to the Chicago Tribune.

"He is struggling with the highs and lows of his bipolar disorder," Jackson said. "Please pray for him, Sandi and their children."

Federal prosecutors formally filed charges against Jackson Jr. on Feb. 16 related to $750,000 in misused campaign funds. His wife Sandi was also charged with filing six years of false tax returns. Both are expected to sign plea deals.

The Tribune also is reporting that in addition to having to repay the misused funds, the ex-congressman also could lose his federal pension of approximately $45,000. He and his wife likely will be fined as well.

What isn't clear is how much prison time they may be sentenced to serve. Ohio State University law professor Douglas Berman told the publication that it may depend on how aggressive the prosecutor chooses to be, but their lack of criminal records and willingness to plead guilty could help the couple. Jackson Jr. faces up to five years but his wife may be spared and put on probation to care for their two young children, Berman speculated.

The senior Jackson said he hopes the apology his son issued Friday will be "well received."

"This is a storm, within time storms pass over," Jackson said.

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