A controversial newspaper publisher and strip club owner in Westchester will spend the next few years in prison.

Sam Zherka pleaded guilty over the summer to charges including tax fraud and tampering with witnesses.

The Westchester Guardian publisher was facing up to 300 years behind bars, but instead he took a plea deal of just three years. Federal Judge Cathy Seibel called Zherka both a gangster and an upright citizen, but gave him the lightest sentence possible under sentencing guidelines.

Zherka apologized for how his "shameful and unlawful conduct" embarrassed his family. He also apologized to the judge for his actions.

Zherka was fined $1.5 million and has to pay back taxes in addition to serving three years. He also has to forfeit more than $5 million.