Prosecutors Seek Lengthy Jail Term For Burge

By Chuck Sudo in News on Nov 16, 2010 4:20PM

Arguing that he sullied the name of the Chicago Police Department with his extreme interrogation tactics and cost taxpayers tens of millions in dollars, federal prosecutors are asking for a lengthy prison term for former Area 2 Police Commander Jon Burge.

Based on their calculations, prosecutors could ask for a prison term of anywhere from 24-30 years, far and above the 15 to 21 months recommended by the probation department. Prosecutors aren't showing their hand, only requesting of Judge Joan Lefkow that the sentence be "substantial." Burge was convicted this summer of perjury and obstruction of justice. He was accused of lying in civil cases brought about against him and other detectives stemming from years of police torture at Area 2. The civil cases cost Chicago taxpayers $19 million.

Prosecutors argue that Burge qualifies for the increased sentencing because he lied under oath about the abuses and because he was a public official when they occurred.