Former Illinois Congressman Reports To North Carolina Prison

Former Illinois U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. has reported to a North Carolina federal prison to serve a 2 1/2-year prison term for misusing campaign funds.

Bureau of Prisons spokesman Chris Burke said Jackson was in federal custody on Tuesday morning. Burke declined to offer details, including when Jackson reported to prison. Jackson's spokeswoman, Bunnie Jackson-Ransom, said Jackson reported Monday to Butner Correctional Center near Raleigh. He was accompanied by his attorney, CK Hoffler, and North Carolina U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield.

Butterfield said Jackson was in good spirits entering the prison, "all things considered.''

Jackson's wife, Sandi, was sentenced to a yearlong sentence for filing false tax returns. In a concession to their two school-aged children, the judge allowed the Jacksons to stagger their sentences.