Original Article Ex-officer sentenced to 18 months probation in theft case Associated Press Oct. 7, 2004 11:55 AM A former Mesa police lieutenant was sentenced Thursday to 1 1/2 years on probation in a theft case. Randy Lineberger, 42, also must complete 50 hours of community service under the sentence in Maricopa County Superior Court. Lineberger pleaded guilty last month to a theft charge, admitting he filed a false insurance claim. advertisement He has said previously he filed an insurance claim in April 1990 when his home was burglarized. Later, he realized some of the items had not been stolen, but he kept the insurance money. He admitted taking between $250 and $500, though police reports indicate more than $13,000 in property had been reported stolen. Police began to investigate him after his now ex-wife reported he had filed false burglary and insurance claims. The 19-year police veteran retired in August. Staff reports