Burge seeks trial delay, citing cancer

Former police official accused of torture to undergo radiation

Former Chicago Police Cmdr. Jon Burge is seeking to delay his January trial because he has been diagnosed with "high-risk" prostate cancer, according to his lawyers.

It's the third time since his arrest last year that Burge has sought a trial postponement, but one of his lawyers said Wednesday it was "nonsense" to suggest he's using his illness to postpone his case.

Burge, who lives in Apollo Beach, Fla., will be undergoing radiation treatment during the month of January, according to medical records filed late Wednesday.

Testing for the prostate cancer was dated in September, according to the records.

Burge, 61, who has long been accused of torturing suspects during his time with the Chicago Police Department, was charged last year with perjury and obstruction of justice.

Attorney Flint Taylor questioned the delays.

"It makes one wonder if their motivation is to avoid trial altogether and never give the victims of torture a day in court," Taylor said.