NEWARK, N.J. – A federal judge on Wednesday sharply rebuked federal prosecutors in New Jersey, saying they’re more focused on getting convictions than pursuing tougher punishments.

The Record (http://bit.ly/2bHy6by ) reports U.S. District Judge William Walls scolded the U.S. attorney’s office in Newark for what he called a pattern of seeking lighter sentences for those who plead guilty in corruption cases. Walls’ comments came during a sentencing hearing for Leovaldo Fundora.

“The society is being swindled, and your office seems to care about notching wins,” the judge told Barbara Llanes, the assistant U.S. attorney handling the corruption case against Fundora.

Fundora pleaded guilty in 2013 to conspiring with Union City officials to steal federal housing money. Prosecutors estimated losses at between $120,000 and $200,000. He faced up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, but prosecutors filed a motion asking the judge to deviate from federal sentencing guidelines and impose a lighter sentence.

Despite his comments, Walls agreed and sentenced Fundora to three years of probation. He also ordered Fundora to pay about $75,000 in restitution and fines.

“This is absolutely ridiculous, and I will not do it again,” Walls said.

Walls said businesses that win government contracts should hold themselves to a higher standard and that the lighter sentences don’t make sense in the “context of true law enforcement.”

“If you swindle the government, regardless of your status, you should go to jail,” Walls said.

Llanes said prosecutors wouldn’t seek lighter punishments for the two Union City public officials, Johnny Garces and Washington Borgono, who both pleaded guilty.

A spokesman for U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

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Information from: The Record (Woodland Park, N.J.), http://www.northjersey.com