BOSTON (AP) — A Pennsylvania woman who admitted cheating advertisers and exhibitors out of thousands of dollars for a fake Boston bridal show has been sentenced to nearly 51/2 years in prison.

Karen Tucker of Pittsburgh also was ordered Friday to pay $117,000 in restitution. Tucker pleaded guilty in October to wire fraud and identity theft.

Federal Judge Richard Stearns turned down a request for leniency from Tucker’s lawyer, who asked for a 3-year sentence. Tucker has said she’s been treated for schizophrenia and a “social disorder.”

Elaine Barker of Haverhill, one of the cheated vendors, said in court that she felt violated and also embarrassed because she unwittingly referred others to Tucker.

Prosecutors described Tucker as a longtime con woman who also conducted bridal show scams in other states, including Ohio, Florida, Maryland, Nevada and Texas.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)