ROCKFORD – A former Lake in the Hills man was sentenced on Monday to about seven and a half years in prison after federal authorities said he plotted to kill his wife with puffer fish toxin to collect on a $20 million life insurance policy.

Edward F. Bachner IV, 39, pleaded guilty in August 2011 to charges of possession of a lethal toxin for use as a weapon, wire fraud, and filing false tax claims.

His wife, Rebecca Bachner, was in court and supportive of her husband, with U.S. District Judge Frederick Kapala at one point noting, "I think she'd be happy if he went home today."

When he addressed the court, Edward Bachner, cited a Bible verse before saying he wholeheartedly took responsibility for his actions.

"Becca, my parents, my family and friends, my country, they all deserve the best from me and I failed," he said, promising to to be the husband that his wife – and "God willing" any children they may have – deserve.

He and his wife are excited to reconnect, Bachner said.