A federal judge in Manhattan on Monday sentenced former state New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver to 6.5 years in prison for his conviction on corruption charges, completing the downfall of a politician who once was the most powerful Democrat in New York’s government.

The 78-month sentence came after an appeals court in January upheld four of seven corruption count convictions following Silver’s retrial in 2018, affirming that the Democrat used his position to solicit bribes. The judge also sentenced the former politician to a $1 million fine.

Silver, 76. acknowledged his wrongdoing before hearing his punishment, calling the use of his political office for person gain improper, selfish and unethical.

(AP)