CRIME, statute of limitations

I read the Sun-Times (Abdon M. Pallasch and Frank Main) on Jon Burge, the Chicago Police Depart Commander accused of torture and I was reminded of Trombetta vs. Serpico.

Those who opposed the appointment of a special prosecutor [to prosecute the allegations Burge led in torture] argued that the statute of limitations would prevent charges from being filed against Burge and his fellow officers even if evidence were uncovered.

Generoso Trombetta sued Ron Serpico and District 209 (Proviso Township High Schools) for illegally firing him. See Proviso Probe. Trombetta prevailed in federal court.

Trombetta's attorney asked State's Attorney Dick Devine to prosecute Serpico for violating the law. The State's Attorney's office claimed the statute of limitations had expired, a fact disputed by Trombetta's supporters.

It seems to me there should be an extension to the statute of limitations in cases where public officials are involved because they are in a position to lobby the government from within to run out the clock.

If the Cook County State's Attorny didn't prosecute Burge because he was an allie, it seems justice denied for the torture victims to say the statute of limitations has expired.

If the Cook County State's Attorny didn't prosecute Serpico because he was an allie, it seems justice denied for Trombetta to say the statute of limitations has expired.