RICHMOND, Va. -- Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick surrendered to U.S. marshals Monday, three weeks before his sentencing on a dogfighting charge.

AP

Michael Vick

Vick is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 10 on the dogfighting conspiracy charge, but turned himself in because he was anticipating a prison term, according to a court document and a U.S. marshal.

Vick is being held at Northern Neck Regional Jail in Warsaw, a U.S. marshall told The Associated Press.

The order filed in U.S. District Court said “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.”

The order added that Vick was taken into custody “based solely on his desire to begin his period of incarceration prior to his sentencing hearing and not because of violation of any condition of his bond.”