Suffolk County lawmakers have voted unanimously to sue in an effort to recover some of the salary and benefits from former Police Chief James Burke.

It would be done under what's called a "faithless servant doctrine," which allows employers to withhold an employee's compensation for the period of time that the person was involved in "disloyal" behavior.

Burke received 46 months in prison for beating Christopher Loeb in 2012 and covering it up.

There is an amendment in the measure that strictly limits the doctrine to Burke's case.

It would not set a precedent involving other county employees.