David Ingram, The Charlotte Observer RALEIGH – Former House Speaker Jim Black spent his first night behind bars Monday in a one-person holding cell in the Wake County jail.

Black, beginning a federal prison term for public corruption, has a hearing scheduled today in Wake Superior Court to be sentenced on two other corruption charges. Jail spokeswoman Phyllis Stephens said holding cells are reserved for people staying only overnight.

"He’ll be treated like anyone else," Stephens said.

Black, 72, arrived at the jail at 2:20 p.m. Monday in a black van. U.S. marshals surrounded him as he got out in handcuffs connected to a chain around his waist. Three men escorted him inside. (more…)