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OFF BEAT: Ex-cop sentenced to 5 years for fraud in shooting hoax

Posted On: Dec. 15, 2011 12:00 AM CST

A former police officer convicted of staging a school shooting will spend up to five years in jail for the hoax, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office.

Jeff Stenroos, a former Los Angeles Unified School District officer, was found guilty in September of insurance and workers compensation fraud, as well as preparing and planting false evidence.

In January, Mr. Stenroos’ false claim that he had been shot in the chest by a suspected carjacker while patrolling the campus of a Woodland Hills, Calif., high school sparked a 10-hour manhunt involving more than 550 officers.

An investigation eventually revealed that Mr. Stenroos had faked the shooting.

On Wednesday, Mr. Stenroos was sentenced to a term of up to five years in prison, plus 400 hours of community service. He will be eligible for parole in two years pending satisfaction of his probationary program, according to the DA’s office.

The city and school district will seek monetary restitution at a hearing on Jan. 19. The city will seek $361,289, while the school district has asked for $58,000 to cover paid medical costs.