WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Former Ohio Congressman Bob Ney was sentenced Friday to 2 1/2 years in federal prison for his role in a congressional bribery scandal.

The 52-year-old Republican had pleaded guilty to trading official favors for golf trips, tickets, meals and campaign donations from disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

At Friday's sentencing in Washington, D.C, a U.S. district judge said Ney would serve his time at a federal prison in Morgantown. Ney had requested to be imprisoned there because the facility has a substance abuse program.

In court, Ney apologized to his family, friends and constituents and said he accepts responsibility for what he did.

Prosecutors had requested Ney be sentenced to 27 months in prison, but the judge increased the penalty because she said Ney's crimes spanned four years and his alcohol problem doesn't explain his behavior.

Ellen Ratner, a friend of Ney's for years, said, "I think he is really impressed and happy to be sober. I think he has his life back."

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-Renee Cardelli & Scott MacFarlane, NEWS9