Former state Comptroller Alan Hevesi was sentenced to one to four years in prison Friday for exploiting his power over the state pension fund for personal gain.

Looking gaunt and wearing a black suit, Mr. Hevesi made a brief statement in court in a last appeal for leniency. "I will live with this shame for the rest of my life," he said. His lawyer said a harsh punishment could mean a "death sentence" for Mr. Hevesi, a 71-year-old with heart problems.

State...