A federal judge accepted Pete Kott's and Vic Kohring's plea agreements Friday following their bribery convictions, allowing the former state representatives to walk free.
Kott, 62, was sentenced to time served and will spend the next three years under supervised release.
The roughly 30 minute hearing ends years of litigation and appeals for the lawmaker.
Judge Ralph Beistline called the ordeal a truly dark moment in Alaska history and said that the good people of Alaska are the victims.
Kott spoke briefly and said that he hopes his behavior does not erase all the good he's done in his life. He went on to say that his priority now is his family.
Kott served as a Republican representative in the State House for District 17, Eagle River, from 1992 to 2007.
Former House Representative Vic Kohring, District 14, Wasilla, who was also convicted of bribery, will walk free Friday as well.
Kohring was sentenced to time served and 18 months of supervised release.
Kohring himself did not speak during the hearing, but his attorney said that for the past five years Kohring's life has been on hold -- and that the case has destroyed his life financially.
Judge Beistline said that he hopes this will bring an end to "this shady moment in Alaska history."
The judge also said that the backroom days in the Baranof Hotel have got to be behind us forever.
Kohring served as an Alaska State House Representative from 1994 until 2007.
Contact Ted Land at tland@ktuu.com
