Police Union To Pay For Jon Burge's Federal Defense

The union representing Chicago's police officers has decided to pay for the criminal defense of indicted former detective Cmdr. Jon Burge, who is facing federal prosecution, accused of lying about torturing suspects, Fraternal Order of Police officials confirmed Thursday.

Burge, 60, was indicted in October on perjury and obstruction charges that say he lied to federal authorities about the alleged torture of suspects in his custody during the 1980s and 1990s. He was fired in 1993 amid mounting allegations of torture, but had never charged criminally.

FOP President Mark Donahue confirmed that the union board voted Tuesday to provide funds for Burge's defense. But Donahue declined to comment further Thursday, saying he would have a more complete statement on the issue Friday.

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