8-22-2023 11:16pm

Former Suffolk PD Chief Burke Caught Allegedly Selling Sex at Park, According to Police Reports.

Samantha Hespos Editor

Former Suffolk County Police Chief James Burke, previously criticized for mishandling a serial murder case and serving time for assaulting a suspect, is facing allegations of engaging in prostitution at a park.

Aged 59, Burke was apprehended on the morning of August 22 after an undercover investigation into prostitution at the Suffolk County Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park in Farmingville, as reported by Suffolk County Police.

On Tuesday at approximately 10:15 a.m., park rangers in plainclothes arrested Burke for the charge of "soliciting for sexual engagement," according to Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison.

"The individual was placed under arrest due to actions that I won't disclose," stated Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison.

Burke was taken to the 6th Precinct for processing, where he faced the following charges:

• Offering a sex act
• Indecent exposure
• Public lewdness
• Criminal solicitation

Police Commissioner Harrison mentioned that additional charges could potentially be added. The ranger who arrested Burke initially didn't recognize him. Burke reportedly tried to evade arrest by asking, "Do you know who I am?" and suggesting that the arrest would cause public embarrassment.

Burke served as the head of the Suffolk County Police Department, which is one of the largest in the country, from 2012 to 2015.

In May 2013, the FBI and the US Attorney’s Office initiated an investigation into reports that Burke had assaulted a suspect while the individual was in police custody and subsequently attempted to conceal the incident.

Burke pleaded guilty to lesser charges in February 2016 and spent almost two years in federal prison, serving a 46-month sentence. He was then released to house arrest in November 2018.

Burke has faced criticism for his mishandling of the Gilgo Beach serial murders case, as he allegedly prevented FBI assistance for an extended period of time.