WASHINGTON —  A U.S. judge has sentenced a disgraced U.S. lobbyist to four years in prison.

The judge could have sentenced Jack Abramoff to 11 years, but he gave him credit for helping the FBI investigate an influence-peddling scandal.

With Abramoff's help, the Justice Department has won corruption convictions against a parade of lawmakers, Bush administration figures and congressional aides.

Abramoff admitted trading luxury golf junkets, expensive meals, sportds event tickets and other gifts for political favors. The scandal shook Washington from the White House to Congress and contributed to the Republicans' loss of both legislative houses in 2006.

Abramoff apologized to the court and said he was a changed man.