Gordon Caplan, the former co-chairman of law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher, was sentenced to one month in prison after paying $75,000 for someone to take the ACT for his daughter so she could get into an elite university.

The sentence was significantly less than the eight months sought by federal prosecutors. While dozens of parents have been charged in the college-admissions scandal, prosecutors argued that Caplan should be made an example because he used to head a major law firm. Caplan had asked for no time in prison.

Read the FBI complaint describing how New York families cheated

The actress Felicity Huffman was sentenced to 14 days in prison for engaging in conduct similar to Caplan’s. New York couple Gregory and Marcia Abbott have pleaded guilty and await sentencing next week.

Speaking outside the Boston courthouse after sentencing, Caplan said he was "deeply and profoundly sorry for being involved in this mess."

"I am focused now on everything I can to redeem some portion of my good name."