Buonomo,
57, plead guilty in October to 39 charges relating to both misuse of
campaign funds and stealing from the coin operated copy machines in the
Registry of Deeds basement, where he worked as the Middlesex County
register of probate.

Buonomo had served in the position since
2000, and while prosecutors saying it is unknown how much he may have
stolen security cameras filmed him breaking into the Cambridge
building's machines in 2008.

At the 2 p.m. sentencing Judge
Bruce Henry said he had considered appeals made by Buonomo's friends
for leniency, his admission of guilt and his lack of a criminal record.

"They are serious offenses," Henry said. "They are offenses which undermine the faith citizens have in their government."

"Somewhat to his credit, perhaps late in the game, he's taken responsibility for what he's done," Henry added.

In
addition to the prison term, Henry also ordered Buonomo to remain on
probation for 10 years and pay a fine of $102,792.15. Henry said the
"public humiliation" Buonomo faced from the ordeal was also a factor in
his decision.

Buonomo, who sat by himself before the sentencing,
displayed little emotion as he faced the judge and did not speak.
Immediately after the sentence was read, Buonomo was led away in
handcuffs.

Michael Natola, Buonomo's attorney, said outside the courtroom Buonomo will likely be eligible for parole in 15 months.

Buonomo is appealing a recent decision by the Somerville Retirement Board to repeal his $3,228.07 per month pension.