ERIE -- A former state Superior Court judge was sentenced this afternoon to nearly four years in prison.

Michael T. Joyce, who was convicted in November on eight counts involving insurance fraud, will be allowed to self-report to federal prison.

Senior U.S. District Judge Maurice B. Cohill sentenced Mr. Joyce to 46 months, in the middle of the advisory guideline range of 41 to 51 months in prison.

"He's already suffered significant social stigma because of his conduct," Judge Cohill said.

Mr. Joyce was convicted of filing false insurance claims as a result of an August 2001 car accident. Mr. Joyce claimed he suffered significant injuries in the accident and submitted insurance claims totaling $440,000. In addition to the prison term, Mr. Joyce will have to pay restitution.