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Former US Rep. Brown Reports To Federal Prison For Fraud

Former Gainesville-area Congresswoman Corrine Brown is now behind bars in federal prison. Brown on Monday reported to Coleman Federal Correctional Complex in Sumter County where she will serve out her 5-year sentence for running a charity scam. Brown arrived in a large, black van with dark-tinted windows around 11:45 a.m. Kelvin Cobaris, who said he’s Brown’s spiritual adviser, hopped into the van to accompany her inside the facility’s gate and say a final prayer with her. “She asked me for prayer and, along with prayer, I gave her words of encouragement and wisdom as she embraces this journey," Cobaris said. “No one would be excited to go to a facility, but she's still the strong leader that we all know.” He asked others to try and relate to the former congresswoman's situation behind bars. “Put yourselves in those shoes as if this were your family member or loved one who’s 71-years-old and has to face what she's facing,” Cobaris said. “Just continue to keep her in our prayers." The 71-year-old Democrat was convicted of federal corruption, conspiracy, tax evasion and fraud in May of last year. Prosecutors accused her of  pocketing more than $800,000 that was supposed to be for One Door for Education, a charity meant to provide student scholarships. Only $1,200 of that money was used for scholarships.

Ramsey is a reporter for WUFT who can be reached by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.