PORTLAND (AP) – A former partner in a major Maine law firm has been sentenced to 28 months in prison for tax evasion.

District Judge George Singal sentenced former Verrill Dana law partner John Duncan to federal prison on the tax charges, which stem from the theft of $300,000 from Duncan’s clients and the law firm over the past decade.

Singal told Duncan that people’s ability to trust has been harmed by Duncan’s actions.

The 54-year-old Duncan, of Falmouth, was permanently disbarred in July by the state Supreme Court. That was believed to be the toughest penalty ever against a Maine lawyer.

Duncan has also pleaded guilty to felony theft charges in Cumberland County Superior Court. Sentencing on those charges is set for Sept. 18.