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'CHiPs' Actor Larry Wilcox Gets Probabtion for Securities Fraud

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Wilcox in October 2010 (Photo by Tom Andrews/LAist)

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He played a California Highway Patrol officer in the 1970s TV show CHiPs , but lately actor Larry Wilcox, 63, has been on the other side of the law. Wilcox was sentenced today to three years of probation, 500 hours of community service, and a fine of $100 for conspiring to commit securities fraud, according to the AP .

Charges were filed against Wilcox in October 2010 for his role in a number of schemes aimed at generating stock sales. Wilcox's UC Hub Group Inc. was one of the companies busted in an undercover sting operation by the SEC, U.S. Attorney's Office and FBI. He pleaded guilty in November.

In sentencing Wilcox today, U.S. District Judge James I. Cohn remarked that Wilcox is "an individual who is truly remorseful," who "should not be punished because of his celebrity status." Wilcox, who lives in West Hills, did not comment following the sentencing, and had a number of supporters with him who had flown in from California to Florida for the court appearance.

Wilcox could have received a maximum penalty of a five-year prison term.

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