Former cop linked to torture begins prison term

March 16, 2011 at 2:18p.m.

CHICAGO (AP) — A former Chicago police commander convicted of lying about the torture of homicide suspects has reported to federal prison in North Carolina.

Jon Burge, the commander of the infamous “Midnight Crew” in the 1970s and 1980s, was sentenced to 4 1/2 years in January after being convicted of perjury and obstruction of justice. His attorney, Richard Beuke, says Burge reported to the prison today.

Meanwhile, an Illinois state commission created to examine torture allegations has not yet begun investigating. The commission is to start with those men who remain behind bars after confessing to Burge or his detectives.