Ellington

OXFORD, Miss. (AP) — Disbarred Mississippi attorney Richard "Dickie" Scruggs has gotten his wish to return to federal prison pending an appeal of a judicial corruption conviction.

Scruggs has been free on $2 million bond since December while appealing the 2009 conviction, but a three-judge panel from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals recently rejected his arguments.

U.S. District Judge Glen H. Davidson signed an order Tuesday directing Scruggs to report to Federal Prison Camp Montgomery, Ala., by 2 p.m. on April 29.

Scruggs was sentenced to seven years in 2009 for allegedly influencing former Hinds County Circuit Judge Bobby DeLaughter in a civil lawsuit.

Prosecutors say Scruggs told DeLaughter that he would recommend the judge for an appointment to the federal bench in return for a favorable ruling in a court case.