He’ll be serving two and a half years at the Federal Correctional Institute for tax evasion. Last week, Campbell lost his bid to stay out of prison while appealing his case.

The federal prison is more of a prison work camp – minimum security – home to numerous, unknown white collar criminals. But today, FCI Miami will open its doors to a former mayor – once a rising political star who’ll be surrendering his freedom for the next thirty months.

“When you have the support of friends and prayers of so many, it helps you to endure the difficult times,” said former Mayor Bill Campbell on August 10.

The prison camp is a collection of dormitory-like buildings. In a few weeks, Bill Campbell will be assigned a job – groundskeeper, orderly, plumber or cook -- a seven and a half hour day with starting pay of 12 cents an hour.

Wake up time at 5 a.m. – but he gets weekends off and can have visitors in. As he prepared for the trip to prison last week, Campbell made the rounds of TV and radio stations, criticizing the judge that sentenced him and reminding Atlantans that the jury only found him guilty on tax charges.

“There were no mistakes that I knew about, knowing about corruption and tolerating it and I think that’s important,” Campbell said.

Campbell says that he may try to resume a law practice after he gets out or pursue other opportunities. In so many words, the former mayor will enter the gates of the prison with his head held high.

“Reputation is what other people think of you. Character is what you know of yourself – and so I know I’m innocent of charges so my character will always be strong.”