OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A disgraced lobbyist whose corruption scandal snared the chief of staff of a former Oklahoma congressman
was sentenced to four years in prison today.

The federal judge who sentenced Jack Abramoff gave him a prison term for illegally trading gifts for political favors that was longer than even prosecutors had sought. District Judge Ellen Segal Huvelle said what Abramoff did shattered public confidence in the political system.

Huvelle could've sentenced him to 11 years, but gave him credit for helping the Justice Department convict a congressman and several Capitol Hill aides and Bush administration figures.

John Albaugh -- the ex-chief of staff to former Representative Ernest Istook -- pleaded guilty in June to a conspiracy charge stemming from the Abramoff scandal.

Albaugh admitted to helping clients of Abramoff's firm get road projects in exchange for meals and tickets to sporting events and concerts. Albaugh is scheduled to be sentenced in April.

Istook has said he's not a target of the Justice Department's investigation but that he had spoken to the FBI.

---

Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)