WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) -- A businessman who paid thousands of dollars in kickbacks to win transportation contracts for Medicaid patients in central Massachusetts has been ordered to pay $700,000 in fines and restitution.

Alexander Shrayber avoided jail at his sentencing Thursday in Worcester, with his 2 1/2 -year sentence suspended for five years of probation. He was fined $200,000 and ordered to pay $500,000 in restitution.

The 57-year-old Shrayber pleaded guilty in June to multiple bribery counts.

Prosecutors say Shrayber paid Montachusett Regional Transit Authority employees in Fitchburg monthly cash bribes to land contracts for his five companies transporting Medicaid patients to medical appointments.

The scheme from 2007 until April 2010 helped Shrayber win contracts over competitors who made lower bids.

Shrayber's lawyer says his client was motivated by a desire to serve customers.