MADISON, Wis. -- A judge has sentenced former Senate Majority Leader Chuck Chvala to nine months in jail and two years of probation on charges of felony misconduct in office and making illegal campaign contributions.

Dane County Circuit Judge David Flanagan also ordered Chvala pay a $5,500 fine.

Chvala's jail sentence was three more months than recommended by prosecutors, WISC-TV reported.

Chvala pleaded guilty last month to two felony counts as part of a plea agreement. He originally faced 19 charges as a result of a probe into corruption at the state Capitol. The scandal erupted after news reports of state employees doing political campaign work on state time, among other activities that prosecutors said violated state law.

Prior to Thursday's sentencing, Chvala apologized to the court, and said that he realized that he was there because of his own actions.

He also said he merely created an atmosphere that allowed state workers to believe that they could use their public offices for campaign work.

Chvala said that he didn't think he was breaking the law by directing corporate campaign cash into a so-called independent group which he controlled, and he said that he might have mistakenly sent a signal to caucus employee to do campaign work on the job.

"I realize that my actions have brought me here today, and I'm profoundly sorry for those actions," he said. "Unfortunately, it's clear that many people stepped over the line, including myself."

Milwaukee County Assistant District Attorney David Feiss said that he disagreed with Chvala's assessment.

Feiss said that Chvala committed "long-term, calculated, systematic abuses of power." The prosecutor said that Chvala had only taken a minimal responsibility for his actions and has tarnished the perception of Wisconsin's elected officials.

Feiss said that a former Chvala aide, Doug Bennett, testified that the two of them knew they were violating campaign finance law and took steps to conceal their actions. Chvala disputes Bennett's account, WISC-TV reported.

Flanagan referred to Burnett's testimony during the sentencing portion of Thursday's hearing.

Flanagan said that he wanted other lawmaker to see that if they break the law, the penalty is fierce. He said that Chvala undermined the public's faith in democracy, and what he did was an injury to all, WISC-TV reported.

Restitution that Chvala was ordered to pay is still in dispute. Prosecutors have 45 days to submit a proposal to the judge.

After the sentencing, Chvala thanked his friends and family, who he said reminded him that this can't take away the work he did as a lawmaker.

Chvala is scheduled to report to jail on Feb. 13.

Also implicated in the probe, former Sen. Brian Burke, a Milwaukee Democrat who pleaded guilty to misconduct in office and obstruction of justice, was sentenced last month. He received a six-month jail term and was ordered to pay restitution of more than $85,000.

More Trials For Lawmakers Are Ahead

Other legislative figures are set for trial early next year on charges resulting from the same investigation.

Former Assembly Speaker and current Rep. Scott Jensen faces three felony charges.

Former Assembly Majority Leader Steve Foti is charged with one felony count of misconduct in office.

Former legislative aide Sherry Schultz faces one felony count.

Their trials are scheduled to begin in February.

Stay tuned to WISC-TV and Channel 3000 for continuing coverage.