Watson launched the digital lifestyle and news site in 2012.
While hefty, it was well below the 17 years that prosecutors had requested.
Additional penalties of forfeiture and restitution from Ozy Media will be imposed at a later date.
Carlos WatsonGetty Images
The idea was to put Ozy in a positive light as it sought an investment from the bank.
Carlos Watson orchestrated a years-long, audacious scheme to defraud investors and lenders, it said.
Sentencing is in November.
The idea was to put Ozy in a positive light as it sought an investment from the bank.
Watson was also charged with misrepresenting the companys finances and audience numbers to backers and investors.
They were named alongside Watson in a separate SEC lawsuit.
