A former West Virginia State Senator is headed to federal prison. Lisa Smith was sentenced to two years behind bars and three years probation for failure to pay employment taxes and mail fraud.

Smith pleaded guilty to the charges last August. As part of her sentence, she must also pay back $1,000,000 in back taxes.

Smith's husband, Mark, was sentenced to five years probation for his role. Judge Robert Chambers said sending both to prison would hurt the couple's healthcare business and harm innocent employees and patients.

News of the sentencing quickly spread across the West Virginia Legislature. Smith's former colleagues stand by her side.

"It's such a drastic fall," says Senator Vic Sprouse. "I like Lisa Smith. She is a friend of mine and I hope she rebuilds her life after this."

Smith will begin serving her two year sentence in the coming weeks at Alderson Federal Prison. Until then, she remains free on bond.