Copyright 2023 Newsday. Thomas Spota Sentenced For Cover-Up Of James Burke's Jailhouse Attack The bag belonged to James Burke, the police chief in Suffolk County, and was stolen from his parked car in December 2012. A union official falsely told several officers that Burke and "other high-ranking Suffolk County law enforcement authorities'' had secretly obtained copies of FBI memos containing the names of people speaking with investigators. Burke resigned from the force in October after a 31-year career. Burke became chief of the Suffolk County Police Department, one of the country's largest suburban police forces, in 2012 after having served for nearly a decade as the chief investigator for Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota. Detectives and sergeants have been known to earn more than $200,000 a year. Burke pleaded not guilty in December after being accused of beating a man who broke into his police cruiser in 2012 and then trying to hide the alleged assault. I cant comment on the false allegations made in the lawsuit, Suffolk Police Benevolent Association President Noel DiGerolamo said, addingLoebs "conduct and behavior" speak for themselves. He noted that more than 80 people had written letters seeking leniency and calling Burke a good man who helped many people in a 31-year career. At least 11 current or former police officers and detectives who had previously remained silent about the beating testified before the grand jury that indicted Burke. Former Suffolk Chief of Department James Burke pleaded guilty in 2016 to violating Loebs civil rights after admitting that he assaulted Loeb in a police precinct in 2012 and orchestrated a departmental cover-up of the beating. CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. -- A suburban New York police chief who orchestrated a department cover-up after beating a handcuffed man for stealing embarrassing items from his SUV has been sentenced to nearly four years in prison. A few months after the 2012 assault, the man caught with the duffel bag, Christopher Loeb, told investigators that Mr. Burke had beaten him, prompting a federal civil rights investigation. Those efforts continued even after the F.B.I. Former police chief sentenced in beating of handcuffed man - CBS News Well fortunately today, for the first time in my life, my belief in the justice system has surfaced, because today, defendant Burke, there is law and this is order., First published on November 3, 2016 / 6:33 PM. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. The opioid was taped under a shelf inside the personal locker of Burke, who was sentenced in November to 46 months in the slammer for the beatdown of a prisoner and a cover-up of the assault. The coconspirators were not identified in the letter, but prosecutors said their investigation is ongoing. "If you were with Burke, he treated you like gold, and you got tons of overtime," Trotta said. With time served, he'll spend 35 months behind bars. Larry H. Krantz, Mr. McPartlands lawyer, on Thursday called Mr. Hickey a delusional and paranoid alcoholic whose memories could not be trusted, saying he would show Mr. Hickeys hospital records during trial. The governments key cooperating witness is James Hickey, a former top police official in Suffolk County. He was named chief in 2012, the highest-ranking uniformed position in the department, which, like New York Citys, is led by a civilian commissioner. Suffolk County has a custom, policy, pattern and/or practice of permitting, ratifying and acquiescing to the use of excessive force against the plaintiff because the plaintiff was a target of the defendants as a result of the plaintiff exposing corruption and the use of excessive force within the Suffolk County Police Department in a prior civil rights action against the county of Suffolk, the complaint said. During the assault, Loeb was handcuffed and chained to an eyebolt fastened to the floor at the Fourth Precinct. A Suffolk County Police Officer begins the job at a salary of $42,000 per annum. They thought they were above the law, said Justina L. Geraci, an assistant United States attorney in the Eastern District of New York. Robert Trotta, a retired Suffolk County Police detective and now a local legislator, has proposed changes meant to professionalize the department and take out some of the politics. The 30-year-old was released from prison in January after a Suffolk judge set aside his guilty plea in the Burke theft because of perjured testimony given by cops at Burkes direction, Newsday reported. Both men started serving their prisonsentences early this year. During the same meeting, Mr. Spota, Mr. McPartland and Mr. Burke discussed who was a rat and directed a police officer to remind other officers what happened to people who go against the administration.. Federal prosecutors indicated other charges may be looming for accomplices who aided the cover-up. The case is a rare instance in which a district attorney is the one on trial. It started with a duffel bag containing sex toys, cigars and a pornographic film. Internal Affairs reports also found Burke had engaged in sexual acts in police vehicles and had a sexual relationship with a convicted felon. "I feel Mr. Burke acted as a dictator," the judge said as the former chief sat stoically with his hands folded in front of his chin. Inside the mind of a murderer: New clues in the hunt for the Long A commanding officer was assigned to warn witnesses that they could face retribution if they cooperated. Former Long Island Prosecutors Sentenced in Plot to Protect Police Chief "In terms of obstructing justice, it is hard to imagine a more serious example of this conduct than the highest-ranking uniform member of the police department assaulting a suspect and then orchestrating a coverup of his actions for three years during which he suborned perjury and prevented witnesses from telling the truth,'' U.S. Attorney Ronald Capers said in the letter. Former Suffolk Police Chief James Burke to be Transferred to Pennsylvania Prison: Report, Former Suffolk Police Chief James Burke Sentenced to Federal Prison, Former Suffolk Police Chief Accused of Assault, Covering up Federal Investigation. Suffolk Police Department | Suffolk, VA Prosecutors called Burke's time as chief a "reign of terror.". Federal prosecutors have described a climate of fear and retribution cultivated by top law enforcement officials in Suffolk County, where subordinates worried their careers would be destroyed if they did not obey corrupt orders. prison terms for ex-Chief of Department James Burke. CENTRAL ISLIP, Long Island -- A suburban New York police chief who orchestrated a department cover-up after beating a handcuffed man for stealing embarrassing items from his SUV has been sentenced to nearly four years in prison. Suffolk County Police Department - Wikipedia document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for contacting us. They said he kept liquor in his office and regularly drove drunk. Capers was seated at the prosecution table during the sentencing but did not immediately comment afterward. Loeb drove across lawns to evade police, and motorists told police that he drove atmore than 100 mphon Patchogue-Mount Sinai Road, sometimes on the wrong side of the road, until he stopped at a gas station in Islandia and ran into the woods. One officer told a federal agent that if that were true, "I'm a dead man," the letter said. "James Burke, Ex-Suffolk County Police Chief, Pleads Guilty", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=James_Burke_(police_officer)&oldid=1116850381, This page was last edited on 18 October 2022, at 17:26. We've received your submission. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Most of Thursdays testimony centered on John Oliva a Suffolk police officer under Burke who was transferred out of an elite gang unit and wiretapped when he was suspected of leaking information to the media. Ex-Suffolk officer: Burke ordered officers to spy on Executive Bellone Ultimately, Mr. Burke was arrested and pleaded guilty in 2016 to a civil rights violation and conspiracy to obstruct justice. The former chief, James Burke, 51, who was known for his swaggering confidence as the leader of one of the regions largest police departments, was subdued in Federal District Court here as the charges against him were read aloud. Former Suffolk County Police Commissioner Richard Dormer was stunned to have found the remains of four young women on an isolated stretch of Long Island's Ocean Parkway near Gilgo Beach.. But in 2015, the prosecutors started investigating again, issuing grand jury subpoenas to police officers. Burke is expected to be sentenced to 51 months in prison, according to a plea deal with the US Attorney. Mr. Spota and Mr. McPartland, 55, had each requested sentences that included. Mr. Burke not only survived that incident but also thrived. The defense accused the government of turning Mr. Burkes longtime friendship with Mr. Spota and Mr. McPartland into a crime, saying the conversations that the three men had during the federal investigation did not rise to the level of obstruction of justice. / AP. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. My client denies all allegations. After 37 years, Suffolk County's police commissioner is retiring Paying more despite good credit? Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Former Suffolk police member testifies James Burke demoted him over Before being named chief in 2012, he worked as an investigator for the Suffolk County district attorney. That accusation is a baseless and damnable lie, Mr. Spotas lawyer, Alan M. Vinegrad, said in his opening statement. James Burke is former Police Chief in Suffolk County, New York. The Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD) is a local civilian agency established in 1960, and covers 5 out of the 10 towns in the county, them being: . The man whose 2012 beating by Suffolk police led to prison terms for ex-Chief of Department James Burke and former District Attorney Thomas Spota alleges in a federal lawsuit that he was . The new facility, also known as a "residential reentry center" is meant to "provide assistance to inmates who are nearing release," according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons website. Prosecutors said that Burke has two brothers who can care for their mother, and that one of the brothers was already living in her home, WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reported. "That's basically how they put fear in [officers]. Conway argued that Loeb's account was less than credible. [21] Burke violently assaulted a man in custody who had stolen a duffel bag from Burke's police vehicle. Long Island Serial Killer: Did Police Corruption Derail Investigation Joseph Conway, Mr. Burkes lawyer, later told reporters that he planned to argue for a sentence of less than five years in prison for violating the suspects civil rights and conspiring to obstruct justice. In 2013, he had a contractor illegally put a GPS device on a high-ranking civilian police official he disliked, hoping to gather information that he could use for blackmail, according to the pre-sentencing letter. Federal prosecutors said in a pre-sentencing memorandum that the fallen top cops cover-up scheme included the recruiting of high-ranking officials from other county agencies to assist him in the obstruction and to give teeth to his threats.. Burke became chief of the Suffolk County Police Department, one of the countrys largest suburban police forces, in 2012 after serving for nearly a decade as chief investigator for Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota. Mr. Spota was a longtime Republican who ran as a Democrat to win election in 2001. Loeb was charged with second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief and other charges and pleaded not guilty during an arraignment in April 2019. The man whose 2012 beating by Suffolk police led to prison terms for ex-Chief of Department James Burke and former District Attorney Thomas Spota alleges in a federal lawsuit that he was physically beat, terrorized and threatened by officers during a 2019 arrest. The police unions on Long Island are so wealthy they have formed a super PAC to flood local elections with campaign donations. Last month he was released from custody and transferred to a halfway house in New York City, Newsday reports. One officer told a federal agent he was a dead man, if that were true, the letter said. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ", Privacy Policy |Terms of service |Subscription terms |Your ad choices |Cookie Settings |California Privacy Rights |About Us |Contact Newsday |Reprints & permissions |Advertise with Newsday |Help. In terms of obstructing justice, it is hard to imagine a more serious example of this conduct than the highest-ranking uniform member of the police department assaulting a suspect and then orchestrating a cover-up of his actions for three years during which he suborned perjury and prevented witnesses from telling the truth, U.S. Attorney Robert Capers said in the letter. He has sued Burke and the Police Department, seeking damages. The ex-police chief pleaded guilty last winter in the beating and cover-up. Questions of Burke's fitness to lead surfaced as far back as 1995, when he was found guilty of conduct unbecoming an officer for twice failing to safeguard his weapon. Inside new mortgage fee rules, Retaining wall collapses in the Bronx due to severe weather. Most of Thursday's testimony centered on John Oliva - a Suffolk police officer under Burke who was transferred out of an elite gang unit and wiretapped when he was suspected of leaking information to the media. He has sued Burke and the Police Department. "In terms of obstructing justice, it is hard to imagine a more serious example of this conduct than the highest-ranking uniform member of the police department assaulting a suspect and then orchestrating a cover-up of his actions for three years during which he suborned perjury and prevented witnesses from telling the truth," U.S. Attorney Ronald Capers said in the letter. Anyone can read what you share. The heart and soul of the governments case rests on the credibility of one witness, Mr. Krantz said. "He's doing much better these days," Cassar said. Burke pleaded guilty to the charges and served time in prison. He had subordinates conduct surveillance on his girlfriends, prosecutors said. Memorial Day Events In Smithtown + Complex To Be Build In Commack, Smithtown Police Blotter: 2 Catalytic Converters Swiped, Smithtown Students Learn Safety Tips Through Teddy Bears, Eggs, Take better care of your bones Join HSS for a new webinar on 5/3, JOB Needed as live-in companion/caregiver as of 5/1/23 (Suffolk County), Minimum Wage Would Increase On Long Island Under $229B Budget Deal, Smithtown Area Pets Who Need A Home: Cats, Dogs & More, Chikn-Fixn Opens In Smithtown, Bringing Unorthodox Breading, 6 New Businesses Opening In Smith Haven Mall, Pandemic Pivot: Former Firemen Turn LI Gas Station Into Fishing Shop, Elementary Students, Smithtown School Aide Save Life Of Choking Girl, LI Hockey Player: 'Really Special' To Represent USA In World Juniors. At that time I, along with others willfully used unreasonable force and slapped and hit this individual causing bodily injury. He is expected to testify that the defendants instructed him to pressure other police detectives into hiding the truth about Mr. Burkes assault from investigators. Also in the bag was a gun belt and ammo. The Strange Rise and Violent Fall of Long Island's Dirtiest Police Chief The former chief pleaded guilty to reduced charges in February 2016.[1]. During the corruption trial, which is expected to last four weeks, several current and former Suffolk County police officers will appear as witnesses. As chief of the SCPD, Burke had been involved in the Gilgo Beach investigations, and in fact, had fired Suffolk County Chief of Detectives Dominic Varrone in late 2011 just two days after Gilbert's body was found. Federal prosecutors have indicated other charges may be looming for accomplices who helped cover up the crime. This story has been shared 234,419 times. Mr. Burke was hoping to to dig up blackmail dirt on her, Mr. Miskiewicz testified, calling the episode something out of the K.G.B.. Burke . James Burke is a former Suffolk County Police Chief who got shrouded in accusations of being involved in Long Island serial killings after rumors of his prior involvements with local sex workers came to light, placing him at a possible crime scene. Prior to Spota's trial, the feds were probing then Suffolk police chief James Burke for beating a handcuffed suspect who was charged with stealing the angry chief's duffel bag, full of the chief's nifty playthings. Burke, 54, of St. James, was charged in 2015 with assaulting Smithtown resident Christopher Loeb who was arrested for stealing a duffel bags with items from Burke's SCPD-issued SUV as well as other police vehicles in 2012. Its all part of a corruption case involving a former Long Island district attorney. The victim, Christopher Loeb, addressed Burke in court. RIVERHEAD, Long Island (WABC) -- The former chief of the Suffolk County Police Department pleaded guilty to charges of deprivation of civil rights and obstruction of justice Friday morning. A commanding officer was assigned to warn witnesses that they could face retribution if they cooperated. Suffolk County Police Chief James Burke resigns amid controversy But, "If you did anything wrong in any way, he would persecute you, transfer you and ruin your career.". Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. a training of 6 months at the academy, candidates have to go through 18 months as their probationary periods. Former Suffolk Chief of Police James Burke to complete prison - Newsday When Mr. Spota heard the inquiry was resuming, he went nuts, according to a court filing from the F.B.I. Suffolk County man sues police department for exposing corruption after By: News 12 Staff / A former high-ranking member of the Suffolk Police Department testifying in the trial of former Suffolk District Attorney Tom Spota and his chief investigator said Wednesday he was demoted by James Burke when Burke became police chief. I have been fighting this corruption in Suffolk County long before Spota was prosecuted and the media began reporting on it. Chief Burke grabbed me by my cheeks and hit me on the top of my head, Mr. Loeb testified during his 2013 trial, during which he was found guilty and sentenced to three years in prison. A federal prosecutor involved in the case declined to comment Tuesday. "The charges [from the 2019 incident]were dropped because they were not based in true facts," Cassar said. All Rights Reserved. Prosecutors said the woman grabbed her dog and dived on a neighbors lawn to avoid getting hit. Internal Affairs reports also found Burke had engaged in sexual acts in police vehicles and had a sexual relationship with "a convicted felon, known to be actively engaged in criminal conduct including the possession and sale of illegal drugs, prostitution and larceny.". The assault prompted a federal criminal investigation that lasted more than four years and eventually led to the resignation not only of the police chief but also of the longtime Suffolk County district attorney, Thomas J. Spota, who was accused of trying to cover it up. Credit: James Carbone, Michael O'Keeffe covers Suffolk County police and other Long Island law enforcement agencies. When Mr. Burke entered the interrogation room, Mr. Loeb was handcuffed and chained to an eyebolt fastened to the floor, according to prosecutors. Burke became chief of the Suffolk County Police Department, one of the country's largest suburban police forces, in 2012 after serving for nearly a decade as chief investigator for Suffolk County . In the 2012 incident that led to his downfall, Burke was exacting revenge on a man who broke into his SUV that year. Loeb pleaded guilty to a weapons charge and was sentenced to three years in prison. In 2012, Christopher . Topics you care about, straight to your inbox. Feb. 26, 2016. I plead guilty, Your Honor, said Mr. Burke, wearing a drab khaki prison uniform. / CBS New York. Hollywood writers going on strike over fair pay in streaming era, Missing teens likely among 7 people found dead in Oklahoma, authorities say, Fish contaminated with "forever chemicals" found in nearly every state, Gordon Lightfoot, "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" singer, dies at 84, CBS News Poll: How GOP primary race could be Trump v. 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The federal inquiry has since expanded beyond Mr. Burke to look into a broader pattern of possible corruption in both the police department and the office of the Suffolk County district attorney, Thomas J. Spota. Investigators are looking into the conduct of two of Mr. Spotas protgs Mr. Burke and the district attorneys top anticorruption prosecutor and any role they may have had in what federal prosecutors have described as a conspiracy to obstruct justice, three officials familiar with the investigation told The New York Times earlier this year. The Suffolk Police Department is proud to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). Two Suffolk County criminal intelligence officers involved in the 2012 arrest of a Smithtown man convicted of taking a duffel bag out of former police chief James Burke's department-issued vehicle . Compared with those in other departments, officers in the Suffolk agency are well paid, making $125,000 in base pay. After the interrogation, Mr. Burke pressured the detectives who witnessed the assault to conceal it. November 3, 2016 / 6:33 PM A Bag of Sex Toys, an Alleged Cover-Up and an Ex-D.A. on Trial Mr. Hickey had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to obstruct justice, and Mr. Krantz said that he was testifying only to spare himself a harsh prison sentence. Convicted Police Chief Released From Solitary: Sources Officers subpoenaed by FBI agents investigating the 2012 beating were brought in and interrogated about whether they had talked, prosecutors said. The once popular and swaggering chief of the Suffolk County Police Department, James Burke, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison on Wednesday for a series of misdeeds that. Inside the courtroom, his victim, Christopher Loeb,locked eyes with Burke and said, "You abused your power, and I will never again feel safe living in Suffolk County," 1010 WINS' Carol D'Auria reported. From breaking news to special features and documentaries, the NewsdayTV team is covering the issues that matter to you. Here is the full text of Burke's plea statement: "On December 14, 2012, I was the Chief of the Suffolk County Police Department. Wexler noted more than 80 people wrote letters seeking leniency, calling Burke a good man who helped many people in a 31-year career. When the police later arrested a heroin user with the bag, Mr. Burke walked into the station house to confront the man, who was handcuffed to the floor of an interrogation room. Ex-Suffolk County Police Chief James Burke Sentenced To 46 Months In Ex-Suffolk County police chief James Burke gets 46 months in revenge

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