PORTLAND, Ore. -- A Portland church pastor was sentenced Wednesday to three and a half years in prison for sexually abusing female members of his congregation, officials said.

In court Wednesday, Sergio Alvarizares read a brief apology the judge had ordered.

His three and a half year prison sentence came as part of a plea deal.

Last April, Alvarizares, 39, admitted to a Multnomah County judge that he tried to have sex with, or kiss, at least three female church members from his Northeast Portland Church, Casa del Padre. Alvarizares could have gotten 18 years behind bars, but because of the plea deal, he received the lighter sentence.

The pastor had originally been charged with raping one woman, attempting to rape two others and sexually abusing two more.

At least nine women from the non-denominational church came forward during the investigation with claims that Alvarizares took advantage of his position to gain their trust and make advances.

One woman said he had champagne waiting for her in a hotel room.

Alvarizares was arrested last fall at his home.

The church, Casa del Padre has since moved locations. (Click here to view church Web site)

Alvarizares' formal sentencing is scheduled for 3 p.m. at the Multnomah County courthouse.

(KGW reporter Erica Heartquist also contributed to this article.)