Jack Abramoff, a disgraced lobbyist at the heart of a Washington influence-peddling scandal that has rattled top Republicans, was sentenced to nearly six years in prison this evening for fraud in the purchase of a Florida casino cruise line.
Mr Abramoff, who is co-operating in a federal investigation into whether Washington politicians gave his clients favorable treatment in exchange for campaign contributions, Super Bowl tickets and other illegal gifts, was also ordered to pay $21.7 million, together with a co-defendant, in restitution.
"I am much chastened and profoundly remorseful," Abramoff told the Miami court in a brief statement.
Co-defendant Adam Kidan was also sentenced to five years and 10 months in prison. Both will remain out of jail for at least three months. They will be on probation for three years after their release from prison.
Mr Abramoff pleaded guilty in a Miami federal court in January to conspiracy and wire fraud charges, acknowledging he faked documents to get a $60 million loan to buy the SunCruz fleet of gambling ships in 2000.
The documents falsely claimed Mr Abramoff and business partner Kidan had put $23 million of their own money into the deal.
The acknowledgment of guilt was tied to a plea bargain deal that involves cooperating in a federal investigation into whether he showered golf trips, meals, sports tickets and other gifts on lawmakers - almost all Republicans - in return for actions that would help his clients.
Mr Abramoff has already pleaded guilty to conspiracy and fraud charges in Washington, and federal investigators are examining his links to a number of politicians, including former House Majority leader Tom DeLay of Texas and Republican Rep. Bob Ney of Ohio. DeLay and Ney have denied any wrongdoing.
"Mr. Abramoff will continue to do what he can to co-operate and to make amends in this case," his lawyer, Neal Sonnett, said after sentencing.