MIAMI, March 29 Â The disgraced Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff was sentenced to nearly six years in federal prison today for his role in a fraud scheme involving the purchase of a cruise ship line.

Mr. Abramoff, 47, and his partner, Adam Kidan, 41, were each sentenced to 70 months, the lowest punishment under federal guidelines, by Judge Paul Huck of Federal District Court here. They were also placed on three years' probation and ordered to pay a total of $21.7 million in restitution.

"In the past two years, I've started the process of becoming a new man, chastened," Mr. Abramoff said, asking the judge to "forgive my trespasses."

Judge Huck at first ordered the defendants to report to prison in 90 days. But prosecutors said they preferred that Mr. Abramoff remain free for six months, so that he can continue to aid in the investigations that swirl around him and his former lobbying practice, and the judge said he would be receptive to that request. Prosecutors praised Mr. Abramoff today for his cooperation.