NJ cop arrested after allegedly torching car

EAST ORANGE Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert Laurino says 34-year-old Kareem Spence, of South Plainfield, set his 2002 Cadillac Coupe DeVille on fire on May 2, 2009 at 50 Rich Street in Irvington to collect insurance money. Laurino says gasoline soaked towels were discovered in the trunk of the vehicle.

Spence was charged with aggravated arson and insurance fraud, both second degree offenses; and attempted theft by deception, a third degree crime.

Spence, who has been with the East Orange Police Department for approximately six years, faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted.