Disgraced former Suffolk Police Chief James Burke, who was arrested last month for allegedly soliciting a prostitute at a park in Brookhaven, pleaded not guilty to charges of public lewdness and indecent exposure.
Burke, who previously served jail time for beating a suspect, is being represented by Riverhead-based attorney James O’Rourke.
Burke is released on recognizance, and due back in court on October 6.
Both Burke and O’Rourke declined to speak to reporters following his arraignment.
Attorney John Ray, who represents the families of Jessica Taylor and Shannan Gilbert — two women found dead on Gilgo Beach — attended the arraignment, and surmised that there could be a connection between Burke and suspected serial killer Rex Heuermann.
“Him and Rex are both involved in sexual misconduct in gross proportions,” Ray told reporters. “I think it’s imperative now that someone independent investigates the Suffolk County Police Department. The possibility exists that Burke is in some way tied to the Gilgo case. In what way, we don’t know. It’s possible that Burke was just trying to cover for himself and his friends, but it’s also possible that it goes further than that.”
