A federal judge in El Paso sentenced an El Paso businessman to a year and a half in prison for his role in a scheme to defraud the city out of thousands of dollars.

Albert G. Torres, 52, who owns G.O.T. Supply, Inc., pleaded guilty in May to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and deprivation of honest services. In his plea, Torres admitted to paying bribes and kickbacks to Lorenzo Avalos, a city fleet maintenance chief, between January 2006 and October 2008. Torres also admitted to selling automotive parts to the City of El Paso at higher than agreed to prices.

Avalos no longer works for the city.

During Torres' sentencing hearing on Thursday, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Cardone ordered Torres to pay a $1,500 fine and $223,840 in restitution to the city. Torres will also serve three years of probation following his release from prison. Cardone allowed Torres to remain free on bond until his surrender date in April.

Avalos pleaded guilty to the same charge and was sentenced in August to about three years in prison. He must also pay restitution to the city.