BAGHDAD, Iraq - The highest ranking officer implicated in the Abu Ghraib prison scandal was sentenced to 8 years in prison for abusing inmates at Abu Ghraib during a court martial today in Baghdad.

Staff Sgt. Ivan "Chip" Frederick, 38, of Buckingham, Va., was also given a reduction in rank, forfeiture of pay and a dishonorable discharge. The sentencing came a day after he pleaded guilty Wednesday to eight counts of abusing and humiliating Iraqi detainees.

He had faced a maximum possible sentence of 11 years in prison.

The Abu Ghraib scandal broke worldwide in April with the publication of photos and video that showed U.S. soldiers abusing Iraqi detainees.