Probation officers learned of Sigel's casino trip when they read about it in the Philadelphia Daily News. A gossip-column item said Sigel "was laying major money on a craps table."
During his 90-minute hearing at the U.S. Courthouse in Philadelphia, Sigel apologized to Surrick.
"I'm human, but I'm working on my mistakes," Sigel told the judge, according to the Associated Press.
The prosecutor, Curtis R. Douglas, said afterward that Sigel deserved the six-month sentence because "it was his second violation and he was sort of thumbing his nose at the judicial system."
"I think we had to send a message to him that he could not simply do whatever he wanted to do," Douglas said.
Douglas said Sigel's recent public service efforts to reduce violence in Philadelphia were "nice and commendable." But, he added, "his actions breaking the law speak louder than words."
Sigel served his one day in jail yesterday, immediately after the morning court proceeding. He was scheduled to be released last night.
Sigel probably will report to a halfway house today, where he will be entitled to leave each day to go to work, his lawyer, Fortunato N. Perri Jr., said after the hearing.
"He is prepared to accept the consequences for his actions," Perri said. "The court has always been more than fair in how it has handled this matter, and this sentence will give Beanie the opportunity to continue in the entertainment business."
Sigel's current album is The Solution. Although he will be able to work during the day, Sigel will need permission from his probation officer or the court to leave Eastern Pennsylvania.
His previous albums include The Truth (1999), The Reason (2001), and, according to his label's Web site, "his most pondering and lyrically gripping opus," The B. Coming (2005).
In state court two years ago, Sigel was acquitted of attempted-murder charges unrelated to the federal gun charge.
Contact staff writer John Shiffman at 215-854-2658 or jshiffman@phillynews.com.
