PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Records show a former Rhode Island police sergeant convicted of committing sexual assault decades ago has remained employed by the state legislature.
State officials say 64-year-old Michael Burke, a former North Kingstown officer, has worked as the “manager of House operations” since 2007 but has been on worker’s compensation since April.
The Boston Globe reports that Burke served prison time on two counts of first-degree sexual assault after being convicted by a jury in 1985 of forcing a woman to perform sex acts, in his home and in his patrol car.
Burke tried to unsuccessfully have his criminal records expunged in Superior Court last November.
The House speaker at that time, William J. Murphy, says he wanted to give Burke a second chance.
Neither Burke nor his attorney returned calls seeking comment.
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