Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports Atlanta rapper T.I. today pleaded guilty to three weapons charges in federal court in Atlanta.

T.I., whose real name is Clifford Harris Jr., entered his plea shortly after 1:30 p.m. He pleaded guilty to two counts of illegally possessing machine guns and silencers, and one count of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

While I’m not looking forward to being incarcerated, I have a long road of redemption to travel,” Harris said, reading a statement outside the Atlanta federal courthouse shortly before 3 p.m. “I am dedicated and committed to that.”U.S. District Court Judge Charles Pannell Jr. scheduled Harris’ sentencing a year from now, on March 27, 2009. If Harris abides by the conditions set in his plea agreement, he will receive a prison sentence of one year plus one day. Because the sentence is longer than one year, Harris will be eligible to earn 15 percent time off for good behavior.

Harris also was fined $100,000.

Over the next year, Harris must perform at least 1,000 hours of community service, which includes speaking to “at-risk young people,” promoting respect for law enforcement, and opposing violence, illegal and reckless use of firearms, illegal drugs and gang activity.

After the plea, U.S. Attorney David Nahmias said Harris’ agreement to speak to young people about the mistakes he has made should prevent and deter some from committing crimes and ruining their own lives.

This unusual type of outreach, Nahmias said, merits a sentence reduction for Harris, just as it would another defendant whose cooperation helps prosecutors obtain a conviction.

“We believe this resolution is in the public’s interest,” Nahmias said.

Harris did not make any statements during the hearing, offering only polite replies of “yes” and “no” to the judge’s questions.

“Are you guilty of these charges?” Panell asked Harris.

“Yes, your Honor,” said Harris, who donned a gray suit at the hearing.

If Harris does not abide by the terms of the plea agreement, Panell can sentence him up to 57 months in prison. In addition, Harris could face a sentence of up yo 97 months in prison if Panell finds that Harris has not accepted responsibility for his actions.

Harris was indicted in October on weapons charges that include illegally possessing three machine guns and two silencers and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Federal prosecutors and Harris’ defense team had been engaged in intense plea negotiations the past several weeks.

CNN is reporting Rapper T.I. is expected to plead guilty Thursday to federal weapons charges and will face prison time, according to two people familiar with his case.

The 27-year-old singer, whose real name is Clifford Harris, was expected to be sentenced to 1,500 hours of community service talking to youth groups around the country, followed by about 12 months in prison, according to two people familiar with the negotiations who spoke on condition of anonymity because the plea deal had not been finalized yet Thursday morning.

His prison time could be increased or reduced, depending on his fulfillment of the terms of the deal and good behavior, they said. His talks to youth groups are supposed to be about the pitfalls of guns, gangs and drugs.

The U.S. Attorney in Atlanta announced a change-of-plea hearing was scheduled Thursday afternoon at the federal courthouse. Prosecution officials were expected to speak to the media after the hearing.

U.S. District Judge Charles Pannell Jr. must approve the deal.

Harris was arrested October 13, just blocks away and hours before he was to headline the BET Hip-Hop Awards in Atlanta.

He was charged with possession of unregistered machine guns and silencers, as well as possession of firearms by a convicted felon. He faced a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count.

Harris was allegedly trying to buy unregistered machine guns and silencers. He initially pleaded not guilty, and has been under house arrest since he was released on $3 million bond October 26.

He is co-CEO of Grand Hustle Records and one of Atlantic Records’ most successful artists.

Harris grew up in Atlanta. His first taste of success came with his 2003 album, “Trap Muzik.” In 2004, warrants were issued for his arrest on probation violations for a drug conviction, and he was sentenced to three years behind bars.

His sixth album, “T.I. vs. T.I.P.,” was released July 3 and debuted at No. 1.

He co-starred in the 2007 film “American Gangster” with Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe.