AKRON, Ohio -- William Montague, the former head of the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, was sentenced Friday to four years, nine months in prison for giving insider information to contractors in exchange for money.

U.S. District Judge Sara Lioi also ordered Montague, 64, to perform 400 hours of community service, an amount that may be reduced since the former official has performed more than 200 hours since last year.

Lioi noted before handing down her sentence that Montague had a distinguished career with the VA that spanned decades, 15 of which he spent leading Cleveland's medical center. She said it is more troubling that he used that reputation to corrupt the bidding process for government projects.

"Sadly, he blemishes an otherwise distinguished career," Lioi said.

Montague choked up as he apologized for his actions.

"I will endeavor to contribute meaningfully from now until the end of my days," he said.

The judge allowed Montague to remain free on bond until the Federal Bureau of Prisons gives him a date to report to a facility. He asked to be placed at a minimum-security prison in Morgantown, West Virginia.

Montague, of Brecksville, pleaded guilty in 2014 to 64 felony counts related to defrauding the VA. Federal prosecutors said he accepted tens of thousands of dollars in bribes and kickbacks from contractors in exchange for inside information.

He did this through a consulting company he founded called House of Montague and committed some of his crimes while he was serving as the head of the hospital in Cleveland and later in Dayton.

As part of his plea agreement, Montague agreed to cooperate with the government in exchange for leniency. He agreed to serve a sentence of between 51 and 63 months, and Lioi said she thought that was a fair range given his crimes, cooperation and character.

Montague has also agreed to pay nearly $390,000 in forfeitures, restitution and fees. He had paid nearly all of it as of Friday afternoon.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Flannery said at the sentencing that Montague is the highest-ranking public official charged in the wide-ranging Cuyahoga County corruption scandal. Flannery did not make a recommendation on how long he thinks Montague should serve in prison.

He said that Montague used his stellar reputation "as a weapon" when he strolled into the VA's Washington, D.C. headquarters to obtain information that he later gave out for money.

Like the judge, though, he recognized that Montague did a lot of good throughout his career.

Montague's wife, daughter, priest and other loved ones sat in the gallery as he was sentenced.

His attorney, Ralph Cascarilla, said that Montague "represents the human condition" in having contradictions. He said his client accepted responsibility.

Montague is the last person sentenced for his role in the county corruption scandal. More than 60 government officials, employees and contractors were charged as part of the case.

Among those convicted is former County Commissioner Jimmy Dimora, who is serving a 28-year prison sentence.

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