Former Broward School Board member Beverly Gallagher turned herself into authorities Thursday afternoon to begin serving the 37-month sentence, which includes three years supervised release.
The disgraced politician, who pleaded guilty in March to a charge of bribery, made a teary apology before the sentence was handed down in a federal court in Fort Lauderdale.
But Gallagher appeared to have a pretty rosey outlook on the day, according to her Facebook status, despite knowing she was about to turn in her freedom card.
"Had a great day in Chicago. The weather was perfect. Love to all," Gallagher posted, who will be known in prison as inmate No. 91183-004.
Gallagher was arrested last September after undercover FBI agents said she accepted over $12,500 in bribes to help the agents, posing as contractors, receive work from district projects.
Prosecutors noted the seriousness of the offense, adding that Gallagher was entrusted with control over a multimillion dollar budget and used it for her own personal gain.
"Your honor, I'm so sorry," an emotional Gallagher told Judge James Cohn during sentencing. "This is not anyplace I ever thought I would be. I devoted most of my life to community service and helping people."
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Gallagher detailed why she had run for the board, saying it was to help children and the Broward education system. But she said she'd embarrassed the children who meant the most to her -- her own.
"I've embarrassed myself, my family, my parents and my children," she said between sobs. "The embarrassment...I can't stand it."
Sitting in the back row, family members wept as Gallagher admitted her guilt.
"I'm just so sorry, I never meant for this to happen, it was a huge mistake and I know I need to be punished for it," she said.
