A former Lehigh County, Pa., correctional officer avoided prison and receiving three years of probation from a judge after having his car burned four years ago in a scheme to collect money from his insurer.

Antonio Jimenez, 30, of Allentown, Pa., pleaded guilty to insurance fraud last month, admitting that he and another man, Angel Perez, conspired to burn his 2001 Cadillac Catera after reporting it as stolen, according to the Allentown Morning Call.

In court, Jimenez insisted it was Perez, also of Allentown, who set the blaze, resulting in flames shooting 30 feet in the air and leaving burn marks on the underside of a Whitehall Township bridge, according to the report.

Jiminez must also pay a $1,000 fine or perform 80 hours of community service and must pay his insurer, State Farm, more than $7,000 in restitution.

Perez faces trial next month on charges including arson, risking a catastrophe, insurance fraud and recklessly endangering another person, according to the Morning Call.

Investigators determined the burned car was an act of arson after finding containers of lighter fluid and kerosene near the car, leading to charges against Perez and Jimenez.