Former Freeborn County Commissioner Linda Tuttle, who pleaded guilty to wire fraud in April in U.S. District Court and was sentenced last month, is slated to begin her prison time today, according to her lawyer.

Tuttle — who stole more than $1 million from her client’s escrow accounts for personal use — was ordered to report to the federal women’s prison in Alderson, W.Va., confirmed lawyer Kevin O’Connor Green of Mankato. She will serve 42 months in prison.

Tuttle, 60, of Albert Lea, was not immediately incarcerated after her sentencing Aug. 30. Judge David S. Doty told Tuttle to turn herself into federal officials when she was slated to report to prison.

The sentence also ordered her to pay full restitution of $1.32 million to a reported 50 victims.

Tuttle admitted to taking funds from the accounts at her business, Albert Lea Abstract Co., and diverting them for her own purposes, much of which went to pursue a gambling addiction.

Her lawyer repeatedly said the gambling began when she started taking a prescription drug for restless legs syndrome that has a side effect of compulsive behavior.

Green said Tuttle has since undergone treatment for gambling addiction.

While in prison, she will be required to complete an inmate financial responsibility program.

Following Tuttle’s sentence, she will be on supervised release for three years with the U.S. Probation Office.

The prison in Alderson is the same one media mogul Martha Stewart was sent to.