A onetime Chicago Police commander convicted of lying about the torture of suspects contends he deserves a lighter prison sentence because of his service to this country.
In a recent filing, attorneys for Jon Burge cited his tours of duty in Korea and Vietnam in arguing that he deserves a break.
"He attained the rank of staff sergeant and received the Bronze Star medal for actions taken in ground operations against hostile forces as well as four Army Commendation medals," Burge’s lawyers wrote, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
His attorneys contend he should get a break below the 15- to 21-month sentencing range recommended by the probation department. Prosecutors say he could get up to 30 years in prison.
Burge was convicted of perjury and obstruction of justice in June based on his answers to questions during a lawsuit over claims that he and his officers tortured murder suspects.
