'CHiPs' star gets probation for securities fraud

The Associated Press, Friday, January 28, 2011, 7:50am (PST)

FORT LAUDERDALE (AP) -- The actor who starred alongside Erik Estrada in the 1970s TV series "CHiPs" has been sentenced to three years probation on a securities fraud conviction.

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A federal judge in Fort Lauderdale on Friday also ordered Larry Wilcox to serve 500 hours of community service.

The Securities and Exchange Commission said the 63-year-old Wilcox was involved in one of several kickback operations run by more than a dozen small-company stock promoters. They were caught in an FBI undercover sting operation offering to pay kickbacks to pension-fund managers or stockbrokers for using client funds to buy penny stocks.

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Wilcox pleaded guilty in November to securities fraud conspiracy. He faced a maximum of five years in prison.

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Wilcox played California highway officer Jonathan "Jon" Baker on the show.