Michael Vick Surrenders, Taken To Jail

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick surrendered to U.S. marshals Monday, three weeks before his sentencing on a dogfighting charge and was being held in a regional jail.

Federal judge Henry Hudson signed an order today instructing the U.S. marshals to take Vick into custody based "solely on his desire to begin his period of incarceration prior to his sentencing hearing and not because of a violation of any condition of his bond," reports CBS News' Stephanie Lambidakis.

The order filed in U.S. District Court added that "Vick has indicated his desire to voluntarily enter custody prior to his sentencing hearing. It appearing appropriate to do so, the U.S. marshal is ordered to take custody of the Defendant immediately upon his surrender."

Vick is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 10 on the dogfighting conspiracy charge. He could be sentenced to up to five years in prison.

Vick is being held at Northern Neck Regional Jail in Warsaw until his sentencing, U.S. marshals told The Associated Press. The mixed-gender facility houses about 450 inmates.

"Today Michael Vick voluntarily self surrendered to U.S. Marshals Service in order to begin serving any sentence that may be imposed by the court," said Billy Martin, Vick's attorney. "From the beginning, Mr. Vick has accepted responsibility for his actions and his self surrender further demonstrates that acceptance."

In an e-mail sent to the AP, the U.S. attorney's office confirmed Vick's surrender but declined further comment.

This summer, Vick and three co-defendants pleaded guilty to charges related to a dogfighting operation financed by Vick. Bad Newz Kennels was based at a property owned by Vick in rural Surry County.

The NFL suspended Vick indefinitely and without pay.

Vick and his co-defendants still face state felony dogfighting charges.