CARLISLE — An attorney who represented former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky at his sex abuse trial will spend 5½ to 18 years in prison for stealing about $767,000 from clients.

Karl Rominger, a Carlisle attorney, told a Cumberland County judge he was “ashamed” at Wednesday’s sentencing. Rominger in May pleaded guilty to theft by deception and misappropriation of funds, which prosecutors say he spent on casino gambling and other interests.

The 43-year-old is still awaiting sentencing in federal court after pleading guilty last month to trying to evade income taxes from 2006 to 2010. A sentencing date hasn’t been set in that case. Rominger has surrendered his law license and been disbarred.

Sandusky was convicted of sexually abusing 10 boys. He is serving a 30- to 60-year prison term.