The ex-police chief of Suffolk County has been arrested on Wednesday on charges he took revenge against a man who stole pornography, sex toys and other items from his SUV by beating the suspect.
Former Suffolk County Police Chief James Burke also threatened to kill the suspect with a heroin overdose and ‘went out of control’ — punching, screaming and cursing — after the suspect called him a ‘pervert’ until a detective ‘finally said, “Boss that’s enough, that’s enough,”‘ prosecutors told a judge.
Burke was arrested by federal agents at his Long Island home on charges he violated the man’s rights by assaulting him and conspiring to cover it up.
His attorney entered a not guilty plea, and U.S. District Court Judge Leonard Wexler ordered him detained until a Friday bail hearing.
Burke’s attorney, Joseph Conway, said the theft suspect’s claims were fabricated and that Burke looks forward to his defense.
‘We believe the charges are unwarranted and will not stand up later in court,’ he said.
Burke was charged with deprivation of civil rights and conspiracy to commit obstruction of justice.
The Suffolk County Police Department, with more than 2,000 officers, is among the country’s 15 largest departments. It has responsibility for patrolling much of eastern Long Island, although the ritzy Hamptons and several other towns also have local police departments that patrol those areas.
Read More: Ex-police chief beat junkie who stole his porn, sex toys: feds
