Disgraced former Suffolk police chief James Burke pleaded not guilty to charges of public lewdness and indecent exposure at a brief arraignment in First District Court in Central Islip Monday.
Burke, a convicted felon whose federal prosecution for beating a handcuffed suspect and covering it up more than a decade ago left an ethical stain on the department, was arrested following an interaction with an undercover park ranger during a sex solicitation sting at Vietnam Veterans Memorial County Park in Farmingville Aug. 22.
He was released on his own recognizance following Monday's proceeding before Judge Bernard Cheng. Assistant District Attorney Billie Phillips told the judge Burke is not facing any bail-eligible offenses.
Burke, dressed in a grey suit and black tie, declined to comment as he left court with Smithtown defense attorney James O'Rourke. Both men declined to comment.
He is due back in court October 6
Burke, the former chief of police of the Suffolk County Police Department, was released on his own recognizance following the proceeding before Judge Bernard Cheng.
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