A federal judge has sentenced the founder of a food ministry service and his son to seven years in federal prison.

Officials say Angel Food Ministries founder Wesley Joseph Wingo and his son, Andrew, were sentenced on money laundering and conspiracy charges Thursday in U.S. District Court. Wingo's wife, Linda, was sentenced to five years of probation for concealing criminal activity.

The tax-exempt ministry in Monroe was supposed to provide food to the poor at discounted prices. Investigators say Wingo used millions of the charity's money to buy jewelry, cars and gambling trips.

Joseph and Andrew Wingo pleaded guilty in February to conspiracy to commit money laundering. Linda Wingo pleaded guilty to concealing criminal activity. A former employee, Harry Michaels, has also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Tags: prison sentence, Angel Food Ministries, Monroe, conspiracy, money laundering, joseph wingo, andrew wingo