BROOKHAVEN, N.Y. (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) -- James Burke, the former Suffolk County police chief who spent time in federal prison for a coverup, was arrested at a Vietnam memorial park Tuesday on sex-related charges, county police said.
County park rangers arrested Burke at 10:15 a.m. at the Suffolk County Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park in Farmingville.
He's suspected of soliciting a sex worker, according to sources.
He faces charges of offering a sex act, public lewdness, indecent exposure, and criminal solicitation, with additional potential charges pending, police said.
Burke was released from prison in 2018 after serving most of a 46-month sentence related to federal charges that he beat up a heroin addict who'd stolen ammo, sex toys and other items from his unmarked vehicle in 2012 and then orchestrated a department coverup. The case also brought down former Suffolk County D.A. Thomas Spota, who is still serving time.
Amid the federal inquiry into his conduct, Burke oversaw the high-profile investigation into the Gilgo Beach killings, in which the bodies of multiple sex workers were discovered on a desolate stretch of Long Island coastline. His handling of the case, including a decision to end cooperation with the FBI, has been widely criticized, drawing renewed scrutiny following the arrest of a suspect in some of the killings earlier this summer.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Related
Related
Related
