A former police sergeant who authorities say led a group of rogue police officers is now headed to federal prison.

Former Paterson Police Sgt. Michael Cheff was sentenced Monday to nearly three years in prison. He was convicted in May of a civil rights violation and filing a false report.

Five Paterson officers who have pleaded guilty to various charges stemming from the long-running corruption probe testified against Cheff.

Authorities say that the officers illegally stopped and searched numerous people and vehicles and stole thousands of dollars from them. Some of the officers said they routinely gave Cheff a portion of the funds they stole.

The officers have said Cheff knew about the thefts, which occurred from 2016 to 2018.