Former Boston gang cop Mel Steele has been given probation and slapped with a $2,000 fine for lying to the FBI in an investigation related to local gangs.

Steele, 36, pleaded guilty last fall to lying to the FBI about using a police computer to look up an undercover cop’s license plate number for Academy Homes Street Gang member Lamarr Axell.

Steele also tried to extract information from a state trooper on the details of Axell’s subsequent arrest on weapons charges, which prosecutors say the trooper declined. Steele and Axell were lifelong friends.

Prosecutors indicated in their sentencing memorandum they didn’t seek jail time because of efforts he’s made to reconcile his wrongdoings.

“He has quickly admitted his conduct, he has accepted responsibility, and he has made substantial efforts to make amends for his conduct,” the memorandum reads. It also noted that Steele has no prior criminal record.

Steele resigned from the Boston Police Department in October. He was formerly assigned to the Boston Police’s Youth Violence Task Force. An investigation by the BPD in conjunction with the FBI between 2009 and 2011 determined Steele provided BPD information to gang members, including the license plate number of an unmarked police surveillance vehicle.