NEW YORK

The mastermind of a college admissions scam across the US, William “Rick” Singer, was sentenced to three and a half years in prison Wednesday. 

The sentencing came nearly four years after the scandal was made public.

He was also ordered to pay $10 million in restitution to the federal government.

''I lost my ethical values and have so much regret. To be frank, I am ashamed of myself,'' Singer said in court, apologizing for his actions.

Singer helped celebrities, businesspeople and wealthy parents get their children into elite universities through bribery and cheating.

He pleaded guilty in 2019 to four charges including conspiracy to commit racketeering, conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to defraud the US and obstruction of justice.

Among the more than 50 people who were convicted for their role in the scandal were Hollywood actresses Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin.