Ex-Suffolk police chief appeals prison sentence

CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (AP) -- A former suburban New York police chief who orchestrated a cover-up after beating a suspect who stole embarrassing items from his police-issued SUV is appealing his sentence.

James Burke was sentenced this month to 46 months in federal prison.

Newsday reports his attorney filed a notice of appeal on Tuesday. The document does not list legal arguments for the appeal. Attorney John Meringolo declined comment.

U.S. District Court Judge Leonard Wexler said Burke's crimes went beyond the beating and that he acted as dictator of the 2,000-member Suffolk County Police Department.

Burke admitted beating and threatening to the suspect who stole sex toys and other items during a 2012 break-in. He also confessed to pressuring others to lie about the incident.

Prosecutors indicate other arrests could be coming.

Information from: Newsday