Oct 22, 2008 10:29 pm US/Central
Burge Reacts To Indictment, Best Friend Speaks
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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Former Chicago Police Officer Tom Brady believes that his best friend, Jon Burge, is innocent of alleged torture.
CBS
In a CBS 2 exclusive, former Chicago Police Commander Jon Burge reacts to his indictment in connection with the alleged torture of criminal suspects back in the '80s. CBS 2 Chief Correspondent Jay Levine reports that a subdued Burge was willing to meet outside his house today - but not to talk about the case, other than to say he'll plead not guilty.
However, Burge's best friend and former Chicago Police Officer Tom Brady, who has been Burge's constant companion this week, spoke out in Burge's defense.
"Good cop, good person and I love him like a brother," said Tom Brady, retired Chicago Police Officer.
Tom Brady was with Burge when he left the Federal courthouse Tuesday, and when he arrived home late last night, the two were seen disappearing into Burge's garage. Brady retired back in 1995 after 32 years on the Chicago Police force. He is Jon Burge's best friend.
"I read the newspapers and I see what they're accused of, impossible," Brady said. "He denies it, he says, 'Tom, you know me, could I do such a thing?'"
The only time Burge left his Apollo Beach home today was to return to the Federal Building to drop off his passport and sign papers pledging his home as security for his release on bond. Brady was with him once again, as he was yesterday when Burge went before a judge.
"He took it pretty hard, but he's a strong man," Brady said. "He's bracing himself now 'cause he knows it's gonna get tougher."
Burge's house, which records show he bought for $150,000 back in the early '90s is the neatest on the block of modest homes, with neighbors who are fiercely protective. While CBS 2 was there, one of them stopped by to see if there was anything he could do.
"Keep an eye on things while I'm in Chicago" Burge asks, clearly not relishing a return to the place he once called home.
"He felt he was kicked out for no reason is what he felt," Brady said. "He still believes that. From day one he denies it. He says it's impossible. 'I couldn't do this stuff, I couldn't do it.'"
Who helps Burge try to prove that in court is unclear. Until now, the city has provided his attorneys – but no more. The Fraternal Order of Police is deciding whether to step in. But without some kind of help, Burge, who has the house in Florida and a police pension which is now very much in doubt, could have to rely on the federal defender's office to handle the case.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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