Suffolk Police Chief James Burke Retires Amid Federal Probe
YAPHANK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Suffolk County Police Chief of Department James Burke has decided to retire amid a federal investigation.
Burke is stepping down as the feds look into the arrest of a man accused of breaking into the chief's car in 2012, WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reported.
Christopher Loeb, 29, claims Burke beat him after he was arrested for stealing a gun belt and duffel bag from the vehicle, which was parked in front of the chief's house. Loeb pleaded guilty to stealing the bag in 2014 and is serving three years in prison.
Although Burke has denied any wrongdoing, the Suffolk County Executive's Office spokesperson confirmed he has decided to retire, Hall reported.
"Chief Burke is one of the most outstanding supervisors, investigators, and trainers in the history of the Suffolk County Police Department," Suffolk County Police Commissioner Edward Webber said in a statement. "Serving together with Chief Burke, we have brought down crime in Suffolk County by more than 20 percent during the past 3 1/2 years. I thank him for his many years of dedicated service to the people of Suffolk County."
Burke has been on the force for 30 years.
According to online public records, Burke's salary last year was over $220,000.
Chief of Support Services Stuart Cameron will be appointed chief of department once Burke officially retires, Webber said.