Former Chicago police commander Jon Burge was arrested for his infamous role in the widespread torture of minority suspects, which led to a number of unlawful and mistaken criminal convictions. The Chicago Sun-Times reported Burge is alleged to have systematically persecuted African-American suspects in the 1970s and 1980s.
Race and status appeared to have potentially played a role in the abuse, but Burge could not be tried for the alleged torment he caused suspects because the statute of limitations for the torture cases had already expired. However, U.S. District Judge Joan Lefkow did sentence the former cop to four and a half years in prison for perjury and obstruction.
The crime of perjury is recognized as knowingly lying after taking an oath to tell the truth, such as when testifying in court or disclosing information on certain legal documents. The fabrications must also be pertinent to the matter at hand. Obstruction is a criminal offense that involves interference, using words or actions, with the appropriate operations of a court.Race and status appeared to have potentially played a role in the abuse, but Burge could not be tried for the alleged torment he caused suspects because the statute of limitations for the torture cases had already expired. However, U.S. District Judge Joan Lefkow did sentence the former cop to four and a half years in prison for perjury and obstruction.
Burge apologized for bringing "disrepute" to the Chicago police department, but did not acknowledge his role in the alleged mistreatment of criminal suspects. Burge's actions cost the city millions of dollars in the settlement of claims filed against the police and also created much distrust between African-Americans in Chicago and the department, according to the ABA Journal.
To learn more about cases like Jon Burge's or the criminal law system in Chicago, seek legal counsel from an experienced Illinois criminal defense lawyer or browse through the Related Resources links for general information.
I believe racism is morally wrong and should not be tolerated. It is unacceptable everywhere and it should especially be forbidden in the police force. The law does not judge by color and neither should the police force. That police officer is crazy for doing that and he does belong in jail.
ReplyDeleteTYLER SULLIVAN <3
Physical and mental abuse by a police officer is a very sickening reality. No matter what way one looks at it, Jon Burge has committed hate crimes, and it's unfortunate that he will never be legally prosecuted for his vicious and discriminatory actions. His situation is an example of how our justice system does not provide enough protection for victims of law enforcement brutality. While it's not much of a victory, at least Burge is in prison for something.
ReplyDeleteMatt P.
This man should do more than just apologize for what he did. To me 4.5 years does not seem like a long enough time for a crime like this. It's a scary thought that the Chicago Police Department is capable of these things.
ReplyDeleteEmily Carton
How was he not thrown in jail for his hate crimes that he has committed? 4.5 years is nothing compared to the crime that he committed. He might as well as just gotten a slap on the wrist.
ReplyDelete- Alex Kramer
I dont understand why he was convicted and put in jail a long time ago. It is dumb how he commited these crimes back in 70's and 80's and he is finally being dealt with now but for something different which isn't even as serious in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteLuke Zizzo
Jon should be convicted for the crimes that he committed, even though that he wont be convicted of them, it is a good thing that they sentenced him for something. I hope that the court can find a way around the statue and convict him for the abuse.
ReplyDeleteMichael Patrone
This guy should go to jail for a longer time of perjury and the torture. He should also pay the city some money for costing Chicago millions of dollars.
ReplyDeletei think this man should be given more severe punishment because he is not only commiting a hate crime but also abusing his power as a cop. The way cops get away with murder literally disturbs me, and quite frankly i find them more dangerous then the general public sometimes. this case just convinces me cops are more dangerous.
ReplyDeleteJax Sirtoiak
Once a racist, always a racist. He should be convicted of him crimes even with the statute of limitations. This abuse should not be tolerated and this man should recieve more than 4.5 years for abuse of his authority and the physical abuse he has inflicted.
ReplyDeleteJack Doyle
I think that the police officer should be tried for this crime, even though they have reached the limitation. If it is true that he has done all of this, the amount of time that has passed doesn't matter. He should be put in jail for more than 4 or 5 years, because what he did was wrong.
ReplyDeleteAmy Drangines
He should have been convicted, he should be in jail right now! What a lucky guy!
ReplyDeleteSCHOSTOK
It is embarrassing for Chicago to say that we had a cop like this on our streets. It makes you question other cops and take what they say less seriousally. He is lucky he only recieved 4.5 years for his crime, it should have been more.
ReplyDeleteLaura Herchenbach
I think that Burge is lucky that he wasn't convicted of a hate crime. He should be sentenced to more time in jail and have to take a racial sensitivity course (maybe with an African American roommate in prison).
ReplyDeleteThis deserves what he got. This dude is going to die in jail, not only was he a cop, he was a racist cop. hahahahah hes dead.
ReplyDeletejc pawlak
For a crime like this it seems that he should be in jail for a longer time. Being racist is not what America supports, and therefore shouldn't have even been apart of the Police Department.
ReplyDeleteMatt Ferrera
It's scary that our law is this unorganized. 4.5 years in jail is nothing for the crime he committed. I think that he is lucky that he wasn't convicted of a hate crime.
ReplyDelete-Matt Clancy
I think that he should have been convicted when he committed his crime. He also should have been sentenced for more time in prison because of his crime. It shows that he should have never been part of the police department.
ReplyDeletePat Mulroy
I think that he should have a longer sentence. The fact that the statute of limitations had passed. He was found guilty by a judge for the crime and should serve the proper sentence for the horrific crime. Police officers are supposed to protect their citizens from harm and often we hear about some abusing this duty. He should be held accountable for his actions not only becasue of the crimes he commited but also for the money he cost the city and the horrible distrust that he created between african americans and the police department.
ReplyDeleteShawn Wolf-Lewis
I think he should have been convicted for the full crimes he was convicted for. He obviousy has connections in the law, so he got off easy. Though his job is admirable, he is obviously corrupt, bringing more bad rep to Chicago police. He should serve the time he deserves and should appologize to those he hurt.
ReplyDelete- Lindsey Bezouska
Rachel Lee
ReplyDeleteI think that his sentence is somewhat fair beacuse he should serve time in jail for unrightly beating poeple while in uniform, but it didnt say he killed anyone so four and a half years seems to be the right amount of jail time. I tihnk when he gets out he shouldnt be allowed to hold a job that envloes working closely with the law beacuse he seems to abuse his right as a police officer. He also lied under oath which explains how people at the police station could have been fooled by him.
I don't see where that facts or court trial come in that prove he did mistreat Afrifcan Americans because it said the cases had expired. But for whatever they did find, I believe he should be in jail and his punishment is fair because you should never punish somewhere else more than another because of their skin tone. That is just morally wrong and I can't believe someone would do that. I also believe he should be banned from the police force.
ReplyDeleteEd Banderowicz
Burge had every right to go to jail. Personal beliefs or issues should not be brought into the workplace especially if you are a cop. This case to me sounds awful and ridiulus and I am appalled that it cost the Police department so much money to settle the case. That is tax payers money, and because some idiot couldn't handle being a police officer, the taxpayers money goes to waste. This man did a lot of wrong and his sentance should be longer.
ReplyDeleteJimmy Ryan
Their should be no rule on the how much time their is for a case. He should still be able to be tries for the case. He should be kicked of the police force for his actions. The punishment he did receive is fair because that is all they can catch him for so at least he got something.
ReplyDeleteTommy Miller
I think that a police officer abusing other people because of racism is so wrong especially because from a young age we are taught to respect police officers. This is unacceptable and he should go to jail for a much longer time. He lied under oath and cannot be trusted.
ReplyDeleteMichele DiNella
This man should do more than just apologize for what he did. To me 4.5 years does not seem like a long enough time for a crime like this. It's a scary thought that the Chicago Police Department is capable of these things.
ReplyDeleteBrigitte Hartnett
i think this man should be given more severe punishment because he is not only commiting a hate crime but also abusing his power as a cop. The way cops get away with murder literally disturbs me, and quite frankly i find them more dangerous then the general public sometimes. this case just convinces me cops are more dangerous.
ReplyDeleteMatthew Falk
racism is morally wrong, i do not like anything about it. plus it should not be tolerated. no one should have to but up with racism. there for it should never be said and in a police force it is just worng and should never happen.
ReplyDeleteSam Gallagher