Christopher Loeb, at center of Burke corruption case, charged with harassment

The man at the center of an investigation that landed Suffolk County’s former top uniformed cop in federal jail on corruption charges has been arrested in connection with a domestic violence accusation, police said.

Christopher Loeb, 29, faces charges of second-degree harassment after Suffolk police took him into custody Friday, police said.Loeb’s mother called authorities at about 4:55 p.m. Friday after she said Loeb struck her during an altercation, according to a law enforcement source who did not want to be identified.

A judge set Loeb’s bail on the harassment charge at $1,500 bond or $3,000 cash during his arraignment Saturday. He has also been placed on a parole hold and will not be released until the hold is lifted, said a legal source close to the case.

In addition, plans are underway to transfer Loeb to Queens County jail until he is eligible for release.

Loeb’s mother, Jane Loeb, who authorities said filed for a restraining order against her son after the Friday incident, declined to comment.

His attorney, Bruce Barket of Garden City, also declined to comment.

It’s the second time since December that Suffolk police have investigated Loeb in connection with a physical altercation.

On Dec. 17, police responded to a disturbance involving Loeb after they said he got into a fight at a Mount Sinai condo complex. He was never charged.

The case involving Loeb and ex-Suffolk Police Chief James Burke led to the former chief’s December arrest after an unsealed federal indictment accused him of beating Loeb and enlisting unnamed officers and others in a massive cover-up.

Federal prosecutors allege Burke beat Loeb in December 2012 after Loeb, living in Smithtown at the time, stole a duffel bag from Burke’s unlocked SUV parked in front of the 29-year department veteran’s St. James home.

Burke has pleaded not guilty and remains held without bail in an undisclosed federal facility.

Federal prosecutors last week offered Burke a plea deal that sources said calls for a prison sentence of about 5 years.

Burke faces charges of depriving a person of civil rights and conspiracy to obstruct justice. Both charges usually call for a sentence of 5 to 5 1⁄2 years under federal guidelines.

Depending on the outcome of the case, Burke could face up to 20 years in prison.