Anne Hathaway's Former Boyfriend Sentenced To 4 1/2 Years In Jail

October 23, 2008 5:24 p.m. EST

New York, NY (CNS) - Anne Hathaway's former boyfriend, Raffaello Follieri, was sentenced in Manhattan federal court Thursday to four-and-a-half years in prison. Follieri pleaded guilty in September to 14 counts of wire fraud, money laundering and conspiracy.

The 30-year-old Italian-born Follieri was arrested in June. Papers filed by the U.S. Attorney's Office show that he was accused of lying to investors by claiming to be the CFO of the Vatican and using swindled funds for a trip to the Dominican Republic over New Year's 2005-06 with Hathaway and another couple.

Follieri and Hathaway, 25, dated for four years but split in June just before his arrest. Despite the negative publicity, Hathaway hosted Saturday Night Live earlier this month and even poked fun at the situation, saying, "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?"

Follieri's plea agreement included a stipulation that he forfeit $2.44 million, which represents what he obtained through illegal activity. According to the U.S. Attorney's office, he also agreed to forfeit 12 wristwatches and nine pieces of fine jewelry.