A Cahokia tow truck driver was sentenced Friday to 15 months in prison after he took diamond earrings from a vehicle during a police sting operation.

Eddie Johnson Jr., 47, was convicted of theft, or conversion of government property, making a false statement to a federal law enforcement officer and making a false declaration before a federal grand jury.

Johnson was ordered to repay to the FBI $6,194.66 in investigative costs.

Johnson was arrested after a sting by police. On Feb. 12, 2011, Johnson responded to a call from the East St. Louis Police Department to a towing company. Johnson stole diamond earrings and other valuables from the vehicle, which was set up as a stolen vehicle crime scene. Johnson subsequently made false statements to authorities and to a federal grand jury.