David Duke began serving his 15-month sentence for tax and mail fraud on April 15, turning himself in to a low-security federal prison in Big Spring, Texas, while a small group cheered its support.

Earlier, Duke told the Associated Press that he intended to be a model prisoner.

“I’m completely willing to follow every rule and I want to,” he said. “I have problems with the federal government but I don’t have a problem with federal employees.”

Duke, who has maintained that he pleaded guilty to charges of bilking followers out of thousands of dollars during the 1990s because he doubted he would find an impartial jury, has said he will return to fundraising and writing upon his release. With good behavior, he could be released after 13 months.