Sypher checks into Florida prison

Published Apr. 6, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

The woman convicted of trying to extort money from Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino has reported to a federal prison in Florida to begin serving an 87-month sentence.

Karen Cunagin Sypher checked into the minimum-security federal women's prison in Marianna at 1:50 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, according to prison spokeswoman Jennifer Saad.

Sypher's attorneys have made repeated requests for her to remain free while she appeals convictions on charges of extortion, lying to the FBI and retaliation against a witness. The most recent appeal was rejected by the U.S. Court of Appeals on Tuesday.

Prosecutors alleged at her trial that she sought millions from Pitino to stay quiet about a 2003 sexual encounter.

The prison requires inmates to have a job assignment and undergo early-morning room inspections Monday through Friday.