ST. CHARLES, Mo. (AP) – A former suburban St. Louis police officer has been sentenced to probation for stealing items from a car that investigators had set up as a decoy as part of a sting operation.

A St. Charles County judge on Monday suspended prison sentences for 40-year-old Matthew Howze, though he must serve 60 days under house arrest.

The Bowling Green man pleaded guilty in March to charges of theft and evidence tampering. Howze was charged in February of last year after authorities allege he stole a digital camera, parka, cordless drill, tool bag, sunglasses and cash from a car investigators had staged.

Howze was on duty as a St. Charles County police officer and was fired after his arrest.