Former state Senator Ernie Newton says that he thinks his five-year prison sentence for corruption is excessive but he'll deal with it. Last month, Newton was sentenced to five years in prison and three years probation for accepting a $5,000 bribe and other charges. At a meeting Monday, Newton told a Democratic town committee in Bridgeport that he made a mistake but did not think the punishment fit the crime. Newton said he is not scared to start serving his sentence, which begins in April. He also did not rule out the possibility of running for political office after prison. Related article: