Cop Gets 3 Years Probation for Arson and Insurance Fraud

Ex-NJ Police Officer Sentenced for Insurance Fraud

The Associated Press - February 4, 2011

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — A former East Orange police officer who admitted setting fire to his personal vehicle to defraud his insurance company has been sentenced to three years' probation. Thirty-five-year-old Kareem Spence pleaded guilty in November to one count of insurance fraud. The six-year veteran officer resigned from the force last year after being indicted in the case. Prosecutors said Spence tried to get rid of his 2002 Cadillac De Ville because it had mechanical problems and he still owed $8,000 on it. He was sentenced Friday in state Superior Court in Newark.

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East Orange police officer Kareem Spence arrested for arson and insurance fraud
NewJerseyNewsroom.com - March 31, 2010

East Orange police officer Kareem Spence was arrested Wednesday for arson and insurance fraud. He could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted of the charges. Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino Wednesday announced the arrest and indictment of Spence, 34, of South Plainfield on charges of arson and insurance fraud. Spence was arrested Wednesday at approximately 10:30 a.m. at East Orange Police Headquarters after a three-count indictment was unsealed on March 30, 2010. Spence was charged with aggravated arson and insurance fraud, both second degree offenses; and attempted theft by deception, a third degree crime. The indictment charges that Spence, who has been with the East Orange Police Department for approximately six years, set his 2002 Cadillac Coupe DeVille on fire on May 2, 2009 at 50 Rich Street in Irvington to collect insurance money. It is alleged that gasoline soaked towels were discovered in the trunk of the vehicle, where the blaze started. Prosecutor Laurino praised Det. Marlin Bullock for leading the investigation that led to the arrest and indictment. The arrest was made by officers from the Prosecutor's Office Professional Standards Bureau Corruption/Bias Unit and the Arson Unit along with the East Orange Police Department Internal Division. If convicted of all the charges, Spence faces up to 25 years in prison. Bail was set at $25,000 by Judge Peter V. Ryan, JSC. Spence is being held at the Essex County Correctional Facility.