FORT SMITH, Ark. (AP) — A former Arkansas state senator has reported to a federal prison in Oklahoma to begin serving an 18-month sentence after pleading guilty to fraud and money laundering charges.

The Southwest Times Record reports that former Sen. Jake Files reported Thursday to the federal prison in El Reno, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) west of Oklahoma City.

Files pleaded guilty in January to wire fraud, bank fraud and money laundering. Prosecutors say he obtained a loan under false pretenses and fraudulently obtained state grants.

The Republican had represented Fort Smith in the state...