Rep. Bob Ney was sentenced to 30 months in prison on Friday for his role in the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal. Ney’s prison time could be significantly reduced if he completes an alcohol rehab program.

Washington Post:

U.S. District Judge Ellen S. Huvelle handed down a sentence tougher than the 27 months recommended by prosecutors, telling Ney that he had “seriously betrayed the public’s trust.”

“You have a long way to go to make amends for what’s happened,” Huvelle told Ney.

The former chairman of the powerful House Administration Committee, Ney, 52, pleaded guilty in October to one count each of conspiracy and making false statements. He admitted using his elected office to perform official acts in exchange for a series of gifts, including a lavish golf trip to Scotland, skybox tickets to sporting events, meals at lobbyist Abramoff’s pricey downtown restaurant and campaign contributions from Abramoff and his clients.

The judge also ordered Ney to serve two years probation and perform community service after his release from federal prison and pay a $6,000 fine.

“Both your constituents and the public trusted you to represent them honestly,” Huvelle said.

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