CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. – A former Suffolk County police chief is being held without bail after roughing up a suspect who stole sex toys and porn videos from the chief’s department-issued vehicle.
James Burke, who retired as the county’s top cop in October, faces federal civil rights and obstruction of justice charges stemming from a 2012 incident in which he is accused of assaulting the alleged thief in a police interrogation room and then coercing subordinates into covering up the event. He pleaded not guilty.
According to court documents, Christopher Loeb broke into several vehicles, including Burke’s SUV, in December 2012. From the chief’s car, he heisted a handgun, ammunition, handcuffs, cigars and a humidor, and a canvas bag containing sex toys and adult videos. Loeb became a suspect when officers went to his home to arrest him for parole violations and discovered the chief’s missing police gear. The officers called Burke and allowed him to retrieve the stolen items instead of securing them with the rest of the evidence.
During interrogation at a precinct station, Loeb called the chief a “pervert,” whereupon Burke entered the room and “went out of control,” according to a prosecutorial report. The report alleges Burke punched, screamed, and cursed at Loeb while officers and detectives watched. Burke also allegedly threatened to kill Loeb with a heroin overdose. Loeb was handcuffed and chained to the floor at the time, court documents note.
Loeb later pleaded guilty to a weapons charge and served three years in prison.
Burke, who had been named chief shortly before the incident, retired in October 2015 after a 31-year career when reports began to surface about a federal investigation. According to prosecutors, he coerced at least one officer into helping cover up the alleged assault by lying about the incident during a court hearing.
The former chief faces as many as five years in prison if convicted.
Loeb, who was released from prison last summer, is suing Burke and the department for alleged civil rights violations.
