William Jefferson (11-time RAT FELON-La) settles in to federal prison in Beaumont, Texas

NOLA ^ | 5/05/12 | Bruce Alpert

[Libloather]

William Jefferson settles in to federal prison in Beaumont, Texas
By Bruce Alpert, Times-Picayune The Times-Picayune
Published: Saturday, May 05, 2012, 9:00 AM

Former Democratic Rep. William Jefferson reported Friday to the low-security federal prison in Beaumont, Texas, to begin serving a 13-year sentence, the longest ever for a congressional member. Jefferson, 65, arrived about 40 minutes ahead of the noon deadline set by U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III who presided over Jefferson's 2009 trial for corruption and bribery.

**SNIP**

His downfall began when a disgruntled investor went to the FBI in 2005, expressing concerns that she was being defrauded by the congressman.

Lori Mody, a Virginia businesswoman, wore a wire to record her conversations with Jefferson and handed him a briefcase stuffed with $100,000 as FBI cameras recorded the transaction. Mody and the FBI believed that Jefferson was going to use the money to bribe a Nigerian elected official. All but $10,000 of the cash was later found hidden in Jefferson's freezer.

[Libloather]

After processing by prison officials, Jefferson was assigned to one of the facility's dormitory-style units where he also will get a work assignment that could include kitchen duties or clean-up tasks in prisoner living units.

Billy Jeff gets a real job.

[abb]

If it were not for the Feds, no Louisiana politicians would ever be charged or convicted.

[Oldeconomybuyer]

If I recall, this is the knucklehead whose freezer was stuffed with cash during Katrina and he pulled strings with the military to retrieve it. Really took a lot of time to nail the obvious scumbag.

[Navy Patriot]

To be pardoned the second week of November.

[upchuck]

In my head till the day I die: Rush on the radio saying, "William Jefferson, Democrat, Louisiana."

[Spunky]

The one and only.

Democrat Rep. William Jefferson

[katiedidit1]

Jefferson, who along with his wife filed for bankruptcy after his 2009 conviction, will continue to receive his congressional pension, estimated at between $40,000 and $50,000, during his prison stay.

Congress in 2007 barred pensions to retired members convicted of felonies, but did not make the rule retroactive. Legal experts said Congress doesn't have the authority to take away benefits already awarded.