RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- Samuel T. Currin - a former U.S. attorney, state judge and state Republican chairman - was sentenced to almost six years in federal prison on charges related to a tax fraud conspiracy, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Currin, 58, of Raleigh, pleaded guilty in November to conspiring to launder $1.45 million through his law firm's client trust account, in addition to lying on his taxes by failing to report an offshore debit card account, prosecutors said.

Three others also have been charged in the scheme.