A judge has set a March 21 trial date for a former New York police chief accused of beating a suspect in a precinct interrogation room and then coercing officers to lie about it.

Former Suffolk County Police Chief James Burke pleaded not guilty last month to charges of deprivation of civil rights and conspiracy to commit obstruction of justice.

Prosecutors said Burke took revenge against a man who stole sex toys, pornography and other items from his department-issued SUV. He could face more than five years in prison if convicted.

The trial date was set Wednesday during a brief court hearing in U.S. District Court on Long Island.

Burke is being held without bail. Defense attorney Joseph Conway said Burke is looking forward to clearing his name.