Former gang member says he still has nightmares about torture by Chicago police in 1973

Ill. man says he has nightmares about police abuse

CHICAGO — A 63-year-old former gang member nicknamed “Satan” says he still has nightmares about being shocked and suffocated by Chicago police more than 35 years ago.

Anthony Holmes was the first witness called Wednesday in the federal perjury trial of former Chicago police Lt. Jon Burge.

Burge is accused of lying when he denied in a civil lawsuit that he and other detectives had tortured suspects. He’s also charged with obstruction of justice. He’s pleaded not guilty and is free on bond.

Holmes testified Burge and several officers were questioning him about a murder in May 1973 when they put plastic bags over his head and ran electric currents through his body.

He says he still has nightmares about the alleged abuse and feels withdrawn and helpless.