A federal appellate court has denied a former Cook County commissioner's last-ditch request to remain free while his lawyers appeal his tax-evasion conviction.
Wednesday's ruling means William Beavers must report to prison by Monday to serve a six-month sentence.
The 78-year-old Beavers was convicted in March for not declaring campaign money that he used to gamble as income. U.S. District Judge James Zagel sentenced him in September.
Earlier this week Zagel denied Beavers' request to stay out of prison pending appeal.
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His attorneys went to the 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals on Wednesday, arguing Beavers would likely finish serving his sentence by the time his appeal is decided.
A three-judge panel denied the request later Wednesday.
Beavers was a leading Chicago Democrat for more than a quarter century.
