Thomas Ravenel soon will be in prison

Former state Treasurer Thomas Ravenel is expected to leave Charleston Tuesday en route to begin serving his 10-month sentence for his cocaine conviction.

A friend is driving him to the federal lockup in Jesup, Ga., about an hour south of Savannah. He must report by noon Thursday.

Prior to his departure, Ravenel, 45, issued a statement.

"I've made certain mistakes in my life that I regret and for which I'm going to prison for 10 months," he said. "I leave for prison to begin my sentence and to begin putting this nightmare behind me. I want to thank the Bureau of Prisons for locating me in an excellent facility not too far from my family."

Ravenel, a Republican, is not allowed to bring any personal items with him inside the prison fence. Everything from his clothing, footwear, toiletries and medicines will be provided by prison officials, he said.

Ravenel pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy with intent to distribute cocaine. The Charleston resident shared the drug with friends but did not sell it, authorities have said. He was sentenced in March. He also paid $250,000 in fines and restitution, including to the state of South Carolina to cover the cost of the Legislature's special election last year to pick his successor.

Read more in Wednesday's edition of The Post and Courier.