Wesley Snipes, the action star who undeniably jump-started the comic book movie craze with his starring role in "Blade," was sentenced to three years in prison after being convicted of three misdemeanor charges stemming from tax evasion.

Snipes was charged in February for failing to file tax returns from 1999 through to 2001. During proceedings, the prosecution made it clear that they wanted to make an example of the star.

"Snipes' long prison sentence should send a loud and crystal clear message to all tax defiers that if they engage in similar tax defier conduct, they face joining him and his co-defendants... as inmates in prison," said Nathan J Hochman, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department's Tax Division.

Snipes' attorney stated in court that, "Wesley Snipes is not a dangerous man who needs to be imprisoned to protect the public. He is contrite, promises that he will never again break the law, and respectfully asks the court to consider not just the jury verdict but also all the good that he has done in his life."

Snipes also addressed the court and apologized for any wrong-doing.

"I'm very sorry for my mistakes and errors. I apologize to my family, the court and the community. I've asked the court to show me mercy and the opportunity to make things right."

The sentencing was the maximum he could have received. According to TMZ.com, he was not ordered to surrender immediately, but rather at a later date closer to his New Jersey home.

Photo courtesy of New Line.