BOSTON, MA - A Chelsea man was charged today in U.S. District Court with one count of deprivation of rights under the color of law.

United States Attorney Michael J. Sullivan and Warren T. Bamford, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation - Boston Field Division, announced today that Chelsea District Court Clerk, JAMES BURKE, age 42, of Chelsea, was charged in a Criminal Complaint with allegedly soliciting and receiving sexual favors from a cooperating witness who was trying to get a case dismissed at the Chelsea District Court. In return, BURKE allegedly offered to “help” the cooperating witness with her case pending before the Court.

If convicted on these charges, BURKE faces up to one year of imprisonment and a $100,000 fine.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia M. Carris of Sullivan’s Public Corruption Unit.

The details contained in the Complaint are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.