Convicted Hidalgo County Commissioner Sylvia Handy began her prison sentence Friday.

She was sentenced to two and half years for harboring illegal immigrants in a so-called “phantom employee” scam that cost taxpayers about 200-thousand dollars. 

Handy also faced tax evasion charges and was convicted.

The former Precinct 1 Commissioner must also pay $75,000 dollars in restitution, plus a $3,000 dollar fine to the IRS.