New Jersey Police Officer Sentenced for Insurance Fraud

A Newark, N.J., police officer who had his sport utility vehicle set on fire and then filed a false insurance claim has been spared a prison term.

Essex County prosecutors say 41-year-old Johnathan Taylor was sentenced Monday to serve three years of probation and perform 200 hours of community service. He also will lose his job after serving on the force for 17 years.

Taylor had pleaded guilty last November to insurance fraud. He had faced up to 10 years in prison.

Investigators say Taylor reported his SUV stolen in March 2012. Authorities later found the vehicle burning on a Newark street.