T.I. is expected to plead guilty this afternoon and cop to federal weapons charges during a scheduled change-of-plea hearing in federal court today (Mar 27).

As SOHH previously reported, the Atlanta rapper was caught in October of last year and indicted for trying to buy unregistered machine guns and silencers from an undercover agent. T.I. has maintained his innocence in the past, but two anonymous sources close to the case told the Associated Press that he plans to change his plea this afternoon.

The sources, who spoke to the AP on conditions of anonymity because the plea deal has not been finalized yet, also said that Tip (born Clifford Harris), is expected to be sentenced to 1,500 hours of community service talking to youth groups around the country, followed by a year in prison. The 27-year-old rapper was originally looking at 10 years in prison if convicted as well as a $250,000 fine for each count.

U.S. District Judge Charles Pannell Jr. must approve the new plea agreement .

The rapper was recently allowed to attend Easter service with his family at the Georgia Dome, where New Birth Missionary Baptist Church held its annual worship service.

T.I. currently remains on house arrest under $3 million bond.

Stay tuned to SOHH as the story develops.

[For more on your favorite rappers from Atlanta peep SOHH ATL]