The union representing Chicago’s police officers will help pay the legal bills of a former detective commander who faces federal charges that accuse him of lying about the torture of prisoners.
The union representing Chicago’s police officers will help pay the legal bills of a former detective commander who faces federal charges that accuse him of lying about the torture of prisoners. Fraternal Order of Police President Mark Donahue says the union’s board voted this week to provide funds for Jon Burge’s defense. He says Burge has never been convicted of anything. And he adds there’s no solid evidence against Burge — only allegations from convicted criminals. Burge was charged in October with lying under oath on written questions in a civil lawsuit when he denied knowing about or taking part in the torture of suspects in the 1970s and 1980s. He’s pleaded not guilty to federal perjury and obstruction-of-justice charges. Lawyer Flint Taylor has represented several men allegedly tortured. He calls the union’s decision to help Burge outrageous. AP ______ Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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