N.Y. Rabbi, Mordchai Fish, Sentenced In N.J. For Laundering Scheme

Rabbi Mordchai Fish arrives at the federal courthouse in Trenton earlier today. He was sentenced to 46 months for money laundering

TRENTON, N.J. -- A New York rabbi has been sentenced to 46 months in prison for his role in a money laundering conspiracy involving religious charities.

Mordchai Fish was among more than 40 people arrested three years ago in a large-scale money laundering and political corruption sting in New Jersey.

The Brooklyn resident admitted last year that he took money he thought was criminal proceeds from a man who later turned out to be a government cooperator. He pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering conspiracy last year.

The U.S. Attorney's Office says Fish laundered about $900,000 between January 2008 and July 2009 by receiving checks and giving back cash minus a 10 percent commission.

Fish was one of five rabbis arrested for money laundering. All have pleaded guilty.