Actor Wesley Snipes was sentenced Thursday to three years in jail for failing to file his tax returns.

"I'm very sorry for my mistakes and errors," the actor said. "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."

Snipes was charged with failing to file tax returns from 1999 through 2001. He received 12 months in jail for each count. Prosecutors say the actor owes $41 million in taxes.