Monday, November 19, 2007

Shocking News From Vick Case

Vick will begin prison term early

By Bill Rankin, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Suspended Atlanta Falcon Michael Vick has made arrangements to begin serving his prison sentence immediately so he can get out of prison as soon as possible.

U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson of Richmond, who will sentence Vick on Dec. 10, signed an order Monday to allow the U.S. Marshal's service to take Vick into custody as soon as he turns himself in.

Vick is to be put in custody "based solely on his desire to begin his period of incarceration prior to his sentencing hearing and not because of a violation of any condition of his bond," Hudson wrote.

Two media reports said Vick would begin serving his sentence today. The Richmond Times-Dispatch and ESPN both cited unnamed sources in their stories.

In August, Vick pleaded guilty to be a part of a dogfighting operation known as Bad Newz Kennels at his former property in Surry County, Va. Vick acknowledged financing the operation beginning in 2001 through this past spring. In a plea agreement, Vick admitted the operation involved the "victimization and killing of pit bull dogs."

Under federal sentencing guidelines, Vick faces between 12 and 18 months in prison, although Hudson could impose a sentence below or above that range if he sees fit.

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