Raffaello Follieri and Anne Hathaway Raffaello Follieri and Anne Hathaway in July 2007Anne Hathaway's ex-boyfriend, Raffaello Follieri, is making headlines.

He's been sentenced to four and a half years in prison.

This comes after he pleaded guilty in September to 14 counts of wire fraud, money laundering and conspiracy.

According to People, his attorney, Flora Edwards, has requested he be imprisoned at either Fort Dix in New Jersey or in Otisville, New York.

In addition, he's been given a $1,499 (around £700) assessment fee that is to be paid to the United States and he will receive three years of supervised release.

Raffaello delivered a statement through an interpreter which read: "The most important thing I want the court to know is I was not raised with bad values.

"I started off with good intentions, determined to run an honorable business and make everyone proud of me."

He also admitted: "What I did was wrong and there is no point in making excuses.

"I will never be able to wash away the shame. I just hope that someday those who have been hurt by my actions will forgive me."

He has agreed not to appeal a sentence less than 63 months in prison.

The Italian businessman was arrested in June after being accused of lying to investors when he claimed to be the chief financial officer of the Vatican.

He was also accused of using swindled funds to pay for a New Year's trip to the Dominican Republic with Anne and another couple in 2005/2006.

Reports say he also used the money to pay for his rent, medical bills and orthodontist bills for his father.

He and Anne dated for four years but parted ways in June, just before he was arrested.

While hosting Saturday Night Live recently Anne quipped: "I broke up with my boyfriend, and two weeks later he was sent to prison for fraud. I mean, we've all been there, right, ladies?"

 Reports say Raffaello's next hearing is scheduled for mid-December.