Former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. released from prison
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Aug. 14, 2013: In this file photo, former Illinois Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., leaves federal court in Washington after being sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison for misusing $750,000 in campaign funds. (AP)
Former Illinois Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. was released from an Alabama prison Thursday morning after serving time on charges of tax evasion and misuse of campaign funds.
His father, Rev. Jesse Jackson, confirmed around 5:30 a.m. Thursday that his son has been released from the Montgomery facility, calling it a "joyous reunion." He said his son is doing "very well."
The 50-year-old Jackson will serve the remainder of his sentence at a Washington, D.C., halfway house. Jackson began his 2 1/2-year sentence in 2013. The U.S. Bureau of Prisons lists his release date as Sept. 20, 2015.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Democrat was convicted in 2013 of misusing $750,000 in campaign money on items including furs and vacations, as well as tax evasion.
His wife, Sandi, also faces time for related charges.
She will reportedly begin serving her sentence in September, since she and her husband asked for staggered sentences in order to take care of their young children.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Jackson has lost a lot of weight during his prison term, and now has the “biggest Afro you’ve ever seen,” according to a source familiar with the situation.
Fox News' Chad Pergram and The Associated Press contributed to this report.