Newark Cop Indicted on Fraud, Arson Charges

Article updated 3 pm

A 17-year veteran of the Newark Police Department was indicted Wednesday on charges he set fire to his SUV last year in an attempt to get a payout from his insurer, Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn Murray said.

Jonathan Taylor, a 41-year-old Plainfield resident who joined the force in 1996, faces arson, conspiracy and insurance fraud charges.

Prosecutors allege that on March 1, 2012, Taylor arranged to have his 2005 Toyota Sequoia torched and subsequently lied to the New Jersey Skylands Insurance Company. The burning vehicle was found on Wainwright Street.

If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison.

"Today's indictment, although troubling, is an isolated incident and not representative of the fine men and women of this department who serve and protect our citizens with pride and integrity," said Police Director Samuel DeMaio. "The circumstances surrounding this indictment were totally separate from his duties as a police officer. The final outcome of this indictment will determine the police department's course of action once he has had the benefit of due process."

Last year, another Newark police officer was charged with attempting to defraud his automotive insurer by falsely reporting the vehicle stolen.