by Tyler Hale
Former Arkansas state senator Jake Files has reported to federal prison to serve an 18-month sentence for fraud and money-laundering.
Files reported to Federal Correctional Institution El Reno in El Reno, Okla., on Thursday. According to the FCI El Reno website, the prison is medium security and houses 1,154 total prisoners.
In January 2018, Files pleaded guilty to one charge each of bank and wire fraud and money laundering. While serving as a state senator, Files reportedly used his office to acquire General Improvement Funds for personal gain, according to court records.
Files represented District 8, which includes parts of Sebastian County and Fort Smith, in the Arkansas legislature, starting in 2011. The Republican, who was on his second term, resigned his seat after pleading guilty.
A special election will be held Aug. 14 to fill Files’ position, which lasts until the end of 2018. Republican Frank Glidewell and Libertarian Whitfield Hyman will face off in the election.
In addition to his prison sentence, Files will have three years of supervised release once his sentence is served. Files was also ordered to pay $83,903 in restitution.
Read about the state legislature’s response to recent criminal activity.