The probation given to a former Slidell police officer who shook down Hispanic motorists has outraged some members of the New Orleans area's Hispanic community, who decried the sentence as too light and said it is a reflection of how many people see Hispanics as second-class citizens.

State Judge Peter Garcia sentenced Jonathan Lutman, 26, of Slidell, to five years in prison after Lutman pleaded guilty to 12 counts of malfeasance in office for stopping Hispanic motorists and stealing money from them while on duty. The judge then suspended that sentence, ordering Lutman instead to serve five years of probation, make restitution of $2,940 and complete 200 hours of community service.

The charge of malfeasance in office carries a sentence of up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.