Former Rep. Jesse Jackson leaving prison

Former Rep. Jesse Jackson (D-Ill.) will be released from federal prison on Thursday, The Associated Press reported.

Jackson is roughly 17 months into his sentence for spending campaign funds on personal items. He will enter a halfway house in Washington following his release and could be eligible to complete his sentence from home.

{mosads}Former Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.), a friend of Jackson, told the AP that Jackson will be picked up by his family and taken to the halfway house. Under the terms of his release, he will reportedly be required to find employment and abstain from alcohol and drugs.

In June, he will become eligible to spend the rest of his sentence at home. The AP reported that he will likely leave federal custody on Sept. 20.

In August 2013, Jackson was sentenced to 30 months in prison with possible time off for good behavior after pleading guilty to misusing $750,000 worth of campaign funds to purchase personal items, including many luxury goods. His wife, Sandi Jackson, was sentenced to a year behind bars for filing false tax returns.

Authorities allowed them to serve their sentences one-after-another because the couple has two children. Sandi Jackson will begin her sentence one month after her husband finishes his, according to reports.

The ex-congressman is the son of famed civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Jackson, Jr., resigned in 2012 because of health concerns. The decision to step down followed an absence from Congress during which Jackson was being treated for bipolar disorder.