Disgraced police chief James Burke who botched Gilgo Beach serial killer investigation is arrested after ‘requesting sex worker at Vietnam War Memorial’
- Burke, 58, was released from prison for beating a man and trying to cover it up
- He was Suffolk County’s highest-ranking uniformed officer for four years before his arrest
- The former top cop has been widely accused of mishandling the Gilgo Beach murder investigation
Disgraced police chief James Burke – accused of botching the Gilgo Beach investigation – has been arrested for approaching a sex worker.
Burke, 58, was arrested at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday morning by a Targeted Response Unit on suspicion of approaching a prostitute.
Widely accused of mishandling the Gilgo Beach investigation, the former top agent has further charges pending.
A Suffolk County spokesman confirmed he had been charged with offering sex acts, public lewdness, indecent exposure and criminal solicitation.
He was arrested at Suffolk County Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park, although it is unclear when he will appear in court.
Burke, 58, was arrested at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday morning by a Targeted Response Unit on suspicion of approaching a prostitute. Exclusive photos from DailyMail.com show disgraced Suffolk Police Chief James Burke stepping out in July
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney confirmed his office is awaiting the indictment documents for the former officer.
Suffolk County spokeswoman Marykate Guilfoyle said in a statement: “At approximately 10:15 a.m. at the Suffolk County Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park, the Suffolk County Park Ranger’s Targeted Response Unit (TRU) arrested James Burke.
“Currently, he faces charges of solicitation of sexual acts, public lewdness, indecent exposure and criminal solicitation, with further charges potentially pending.”
Burke was released from prison in November 2018 after serving a 46-month sentence for beating a man who stole a duffel bag from his car.
The man was handcuffed at the time of the attack, while Burke orchestrated a cover-up.
This is a developing story. Check back regularly for updates.