Prominent former U.S. Senate staffer Fred Pagan will spend 30 months in prison for his role in an elaborate meth scheme, U.S. District Judge Beryl A. Howell ruled today.

Pagan, who worked for Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS) for over three decades, was busted last year for receiving packages of methamphetamine and GBL—a substance similar to “date rape drug” GHB. Pagan told investigators he received the GBL for use in “party and play” sex, while the methamphetamine was for a dealer friend shipping the drug from California.

Cochran originally planned to speak on Pagan’s behalf at the sentencing, but cancelled after the date was moved so Pagan could meet again with prosecutors. Apparently, the last-minute meeting paid off, since prosecutors moved yesterday to reduce Pagan’s sentencing terms.

“I apologize to my family, my friends, and especially to Senator Cochran, who has been like a father to me,” Pagan said at his sentencing.

Unfortunately for Pagan, Howell wasn’t convinced that a childhood filled with abuse and his drug addiction merited the sentence of probation his defense attorney asked for. Howell pointed out that, had Pagan been charged for a similar violation he was eligible for, he would be facing a minimum of 10 years in prison.

Photo from Fred Pagan’s court file