Newark Cop Gets Three Years Probation for Vehicle Arson

A Newark police officer who last year pleaded guilty to setting his truck on fire as part of an insurance scam was sentenced Monday to three years’ probation and was kicked off the force after a 17-year career, NJ.com reported.

In March 2012, Jonathan Taylor, 41, of Plainfield, torched his 2005 Toyota SUV while it was parked on Wainwright Street, then filed a phony insurance claim. He was later indicted on insurance fraud, arson and conspiracy charges and faced up to 10 years in prison.

Prosecutors last year said Taylor was making high monthly payments on the vehicle, which had more than 100,000 miles on it.

Taylor, who joined the force in 1996, was earning $102,000 a year.