Where is James Burke Now? Who is James Burke?
by Alaguvelan M | Updated Jul 21, 2023
Where is James Burke Now?
Former Suffolk County police chief James Burke, whose involvement in obstructing justice and violating a victim's civil rights led to a 46-month sentence, has resurfaced in the public eye amidst developments in the Gilgo Beach murders investigation. After his release from prison and time at a halfway house, Burke now resides in Smithtown, New York, where he leads a quiet life in a modest three-bedroom home.
Recently, Burke was seen leaving his residence in a red Mercury Grand Marquis, a car model reminiscent of the police cruisers he once commanded during his career. Dressed casually, he appeared to be running errands, carrying what seemed to be a tablet device, along with a plastic resealable bag and a purple bag commonly used to package Crown Royal whiskey.
The recent arrest of architect Rex Heuermann in connection to three of the long-unsolved Gilgo Beach killings marks a significant breakthrough in the case, which was previously marred by scandals within the Suffolk County Police Department under Burke's leadership.
One such scandal involved Burke's own altercation with a thief named Christopher Loeb in 2012, wherein Burke attacked Loeb after he stole a duffel bag containing compromising materials. While Burke's past actions have left a trail of disgrace and controversy, he now seems to prefer a low-key life, far from the public spotlight, in his new Long Island residence.
Who is James Burke?
James Burke, a polarizing and controversial figure, faced significant legal issues during his time as Suffolk County Police Chief. One of the most notorious incidents involved assaulting a suspect who had stolen his duffle bag containing explicit materials, leading to his imprisonment in federal prison. Even his superior, Thomas Spota, the former Suffolk District Attorney, ended up in prison due to obstructing justice in an attempt to cover up the incident.
Adding to the controversy, a sex worker claimed to have encountered Burke at sex parties near the location where the Gilgo murder victims were tragically found. Such claims were reported by the New York Post, further complicating Burke's reputation.
Before his tenure as Police Chief, Burke was already embroiled in another scandal for engaging in sexual activities with a sex worker while on duty in his patrol car. These controversies earned him the unflattering description of a "sex-obsessed narcissist" and a "middle-aged bachelor with a vulgar disregard for social niceties," according to Vice.
Burke's time as Police Chief coincided with the discovery of the victims' remains on Gilgo Beach, which drew attention to his decisions and actions during the investigation. A podcast titled 'Unraveled: Long Island Serial Killer' raised allegations that shortly after assuming office, Burke excluded the FBI from the Gilgo Beach serial killer investigation, sparking further scrutiny.
Notably, Burke's handling of the investigation came under criticism. He controversially shut down the inquiry, citing the behavior of cadaver dogs during winter as a reason. However, it was later revealed that only one cadaver dog was actually involved in the search, while the police misleadingly presented a photo of multiple dogs, muddying the situation.
In 2019, Burke's time behind bars came to an end as he was released after serving his sentence for assaulting the suspect. Throughout his career, Burke's actions and decisions have sparked intense debate, leaving a lasting impact on his reputation and legacy.
Who is The Cop Jailed For Beating A Crook And Botched The Gilgo Beach Murder Case?
The infamous James Burke, former Suffolk County police chief, has a history riddled with scandalous episodes. He once served time in federal prison for assaulting a suspect who stole his stash of adult toys and pornography. Additionally, Burke's involvement with drugs and encounters with sex workers only added to his controversial reputation.
During his tenure, Burke was at the center of the botched Gilgo Beach murder investigation, accused of obstructing crucial agencies like the FBI from handling the disturbing case of 11 bodies discovered along Long Island's South Shore in 2010. Attorney John Ray, representing the families of Gilgo Beach victims, expressed strong concerns about the case's mishandling from the very start.
Burke's dubious conduct involved sexual affairs with prostitutes, even engaging in such activities inside his police car. His internal affairs investigations brought more disgrace to his name, revealing the extent of his questionable actions.
Following his release from prison, Burke resided in Smithtown, where he maintained a low profile. However, his name resurfaced with the recent arrest of Rex Heuermann, who is a prime suspect in the murders of three Gilgo Beach victims, and possibly linked to the deaths of others.
The Gilgo Beach case has been surrounded by mystery and dark suspicions, and Burke's involvement in the initial investigation raised significant doubts about the handling of the case. With new developments in the investigation, the quest for justice continues, bringing to light the haunting stories of those impacted by these chilling crimes.
Where is James Burke Now - FAQs
James Burke is reportedly residing in Smithtown, New York, on Long Island.
After serving time in federal prison, James Burke was released and returned to his Smithtown home in 2018.
James Burke faced federal conspiracy and civil rights charges, among others, which led to his conviction and prison sentence.
As far as public records indicate, James Burke is no longer associated with law enforcement and has presumably retired from his former position as the Suffolk County police chief.
There have been no recent reports or allegations of James Burke engaging in criminal activities after his release from prison.