Former Ohio Congressman Bob Ney has been sentenced to two-and-a-half years in federal prison for his role in a congressional bribery scandal. The Republican had pleaded guilty to trading official favors for golf trips, tickets, meals and campaign donations from disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
The sentence handed down Friday in Washington is harsher than what prosecutors or Ney's lawyers had recommended. The judge says that's because the former lawmaker violated the public's trust.
She also ordered Ney into a prison alcohol rehab program.
Ney apologized in court, saying he will continue to take full responsibility, accept the consequences and "battle the demons of addiction."