Jesse Jackson Jr. leaves federal prison for halfway house

CHICAGO -- The Rev. Jesse Jackson says his son, former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., has been released from an Alabama prison after serving a year and a half for illegally spending $750,000 in campaign funds.

Rev. Jackson confirmed around 5:30 a.m. Thursday that his son has been released from the Montgomery, Alabama, facility, calling it a "joyous reunion." He says 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.

The Illinois Democrat pleaded guilty to misspending the money on items including furs and vacations.

Jackson's wife must serve a related, year-long term after her husband completes his sentence.