SPOKANE, WASH. - We talk a lot about repeat offenders because law enforcement always says most criminal acts are committed by a small group of people. One of those people, Susan Burke, is a prolific burglar. She's well known to law enforcement, but after an arrest she's usually back on the streets within days, if not hours.
KHQ's Dan Kleckner received this e-mail from John Lewis who wrote:
"I was a victim of Susan Burke back in 2005 when she broke into my home and robbed me. I can not fathom why the court system in Spokane continues to let this woman run free. Can you help shed some light as to why?"
Well, sure enough, Susan Burke was arrested last week in Spokane County, but is now in custody in Grant County on a felony warrant for possession of stolen property and possession of a controlled substance.
She's been arrested dozens of times. Thursday she was arrested for forgery, in March she was arrested, too. Last December Coeur d' Alene Police told us she was a key player in a massive burglary ring. But that's just the beginning.
John Lewis says she's committed crimes all over the area and he wants to know why she's not staying behind bars.
The prosecutors office told us one of the many reasons repeat offenders can get out is because of a Washington state law. Within 72 hours of an arrest, police have to put together an investigation, the prosecutor has to review that evidence, and then file charges in court. If all of that is not met, the suspect is released.
Bottom line is that the people who have committed the most crimes sometimes have the best shot of getting released because their paperwork takes so long to prepare.
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