CHICAGO — Former Illinois U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. reported this morning to a North Carolina federal prison to serve a 2 1/2-year prison term for misusing campaign funds, a prison official said.

The 48-year-old Chicago Democrat was in federal custody this morning, according to Bureau of Prisons spokesman Chris Burke. The official declined to offer details, including when Jackson had initially reported to prison.

Jackson, who pleaded guilty in February to conspiring to spend $750,000 in campaign funds on personal expenses, reported to Butner Correctional Center near Raleigh, N.C., said Ed Ross, another prison spokesman.

Jackson’s wife, Sandi, was sentenced to a yearlong sentence for filing false tax returns. In a concession to their two school-aged children, the judge allowed the Jacksons to stagger their sentences.

Jackson used campaign money to buy a $43,350 gold-plated, men’s Rolex watch and $9,587.64 on children’s furniture, according to court papers filed in the case. His wife spent $5,150 on fur capes and parkas, the document said.