Former Chicago cop arrested for involvement in torture

Former Chicago Police detective Jon Burge was arrested this morning on charges that he lied under oath about his participation in the torturing of suspects in criminal investigations. Burge, who was fired in 1993 for his alleged role in the torture and beatings of suspects, was arrested at his Florida home and charged in federal court with perjury and obstruction of justice.

Last year, Chicago settled a civil suit with four defendants who were freed from death row after showing evidence that they falsely confessed under torture by Burge and other officers. Burge, when questioned in that case, said: "I have not observed nor do I have knowledge of any other examples of physical abuse and/or torture on the part of Chicago police officers at Area 2."

But a report by two special prosecutors in 2006 found that officers under Burge’s watch had tortured dozens of suspects, by beating, hitting, kicking and asphyxiating them.

"There is no place for torture and abuse in a police station," said U.S. Attorney Patrick J. Fitzgerald in a news release. "There is no place for perjury and false statements in federal lawsuits. No person is above the law, and nobody–even a suspected murderer–is beneath its protection."

Read the full story here

. (Chicago Tribune, 10/21/2008)

Background on the case:

Jon Burge’s legacy

(Chicago Tribune)

Download the indictment here

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