A New York-based art consultant, whose clientele previously included Academy Award winner Leonardo DiCaprio, received a 30-month federal prison sentence on Wednesday for defrauding clients of $6.5 million related to the sale of 55 artworks.

Lisa Schiff cried as she faced her ex-friends and clients who were sitting behind her in the Manhattan federal courthouse and offered them individual apologies.

"I am standing here as a criminal who harmed clients, colleagues, and friends," stated the 54-year-old resident of Manhattan, referring to herself as a "coward" for concealing her deception and enjoying an extravagant lifestyle funded by the misappropriated funds taken from individuals who had "loved and trusted" her.

The extravagant way of life encompassed a $25,000-per-month penthouse, a $2 million facility for her enterprise, and luxurious tours across Europe featuring indulgent shopping at high-end stores alongside accommodations at posh hotels.

I am a guilty individual and I am willing to accept my punishment," Schiff said with tears in his eyes. "Although I am afraid, I am prepared.

Schiff must report to prison on July 1st.

According to prosecutors, the victims included 12 clients, one artist, the estate of another artist, and an art gallery.

Michael Barasch, one of Schiff's targets, informed the court that his family welcomed her into their fold, including her in family get-togethers and festive celebrations.

“He stated, ‘Your shameful behavior extends far past theft. You shattered my wife’s heart. She considered you as her closest confidant.’”

Barasch suggested that Schiff’s victims could end up losing around $10 million once the expenses for attorneys and various specialists they have brought in to attempt recovering some of their losses through legal action are taken into account.

We might consider ourselves fortunate to receive only five percent of what’s due. None of the victims will ever truly recover their losses," he stated. "Shame on you.

Judge J. Paul Oetken, when delivering the ruling, characterized Schiff’s offenses as "highly audacious," pointing out that her fraudulent activities spanned about half a decade and affected over a dozen clients.

Schiff was additionally sentenced to two years of supervised release, required to forfeit almost $6.5 million, and obligated to pay over $9 million in restitution.

Wire fraud can result in a prison term of up to 20 years; however, under the terms of Schiff’s plea agreement, prosecutors suggested a sentencing range of approximately 3 1/2 to 4 1/4 years in custody.