M. Spencer Green/Associated Press

Former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. and his wife appeared in federal court to answer criminal charges that they engaged in an alleged scheme to spend $750,000 in campaign funds on personal items.

WASHINGTON — Former U.S Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., once a rising Democratic star, pleaded guilty Wednesday to misusing $750,000 in campaign funds for personal reasons, including buying Michael Jackson, Bruce Lee and Martin Luther King Jr. memorabilia.

“Sir, for years I’ve lived in my campaign,” he told a federal judge, later briefly dabbing his eyes with a tissue as his father, civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, sat in the front row.

“I used monies that should have been used for campaign purposes, and I used them for myself personally, to benefit me personally. And I am acknowledging that that which the government has presented is accurate.”

Jackson faces up to 57 months in prison, and a fine of $10,000 to $100,000, under a plea deal.