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New York's Former Police Commissioner Pleads Guilty to Corruption
In this June 4, 2009 file photo, former New York City police Commissioner Bernard Kerik stands outside the Federal Court in Washington, after pleading not guilty to charges of lying to the White House while being vetted to be Homeland Security secretary.
Associated Press
November 06, 2009
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik admitted in court Thursday that he lied to the White House while being considered for chief of Homeland Security.
Kerik, hailed as a hero after the 9/11 attack, also pleaded guilty to lying on tax returns, a loan application and a questionnaire he filled out when he was seeking a separate U.S. government position.
Under his plea bargain, which short-circuited as many as three federal trials, he was not required to plead guilty to the main corruption charges against him. Those charges will be dismissed.
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Kerik acknowledged failing to declare on his returns book royalties, consultant fees and the use of a BMW.
In the plea agreement, prosecutors suggested to Judge Stephen Robinson that the appropriate sentence would be between 27 and 33 months in prison. Robinson noted that he is not bound by that suggestion when he sentences Kerik on Feb. 18. The judge said the maximum sentence is 61 years.
Kerik, who was jailed last month for sharing secret pretrial information, may be released before his sentencing. Defense attorney Michael Bachman said he would apply within a few days, and the judge said he would seriously consider the request.
The judge also said he would consider Kerik’s accomplishments when he sentences him.
“You’ve had a very full life,” Robinson told the 54-year-old Kerik. “There is much good in that full life, I believe.”
Kerik was police commissioner when New York was attacked on 9/11 and was praised worldwide for his steely leadership. At the urging of his mentor, former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, Kerik was nominated to the top Homeland Security post in 2004, the peak of a fast-rising career.
jakester
18 days ago
644 Comments
A big fish in a big pond who's ego lead him to believe he could survive in the ocean. This big fish left plenty of chum in the water for the sharks to feed on. A great cop perhaps, but he will be remenbered by most as just another corrupt politician.
APDSARGE
19 days ago
938 Comments
It is sad the greed and hubris got to this man. My father always told me, that society can take everything from a man, but his integrity and honor. He has to give those away on his own! As a member of this honorable profession it angers me that Mr. Kerik gave all of us another black eye. Now, nobody will remember all the good he did in his career, they will only remember THIS!
alexy
19 days ago
1824 Comments
He did wrong but no doubt that politics played a big part in this whole thing
aussie4
19 days ago
3730 Comments
I worked under Mr. Kerik for 13 weeks at ground zero and had then as I do now the up most respect for him as a leader. He took a deal so he wouldnt spend his life in prison as the big guys wanted his ass for sure, in my humble opinion.
Whalewatcher
19 days ago
1500 Comments
Honesty is the best policy. Should have owned up to things in the first place, instead of dragging things out like this; it would have cast him in a better light. Don't understand how such an stand-up guy could have done these things willingly.
Sheriff_1
19 days ago
6832 Comments
So much for honor and integrity. An honorable career with NYPD and 911 but then go to DC like so many others and fall bad
Irishcop1961
19 days ago
15504 Comments
A sad day for law enforcement.
HEYSARGE
19 days ago
12064 Comments
To bad!
Daysend
19 days ago
156 Comments
Whats up. How hard is it? Honest is the best policy? Althou Wow really? He "lied" on a loan application and on a "questionaire". What the fudge, who's toes did he step on.
Careful guys, real hardened Criminal here! I'm sure, no I'm positive this guy would lie to get his parking validated! Someone stop him before it's tooo late!
beejac
19 days ago
494 Comments
You do the time, you do the time. Justice is blind, ex commissioners do not get any exemptions.
chiefdennis
20 days ago
7880 Comments
So sad. From leading the best police agency in the world to a small cell. There is no lower form of life than a dirty cop.
MIKIESPLACE
20 days ago
84 Comments
yeah, yeah, lying on tax forms,a loan application and a questionaire. LET HE WHO HAS NOT DONE SO SPEAK UP PLEASE. what a shame, tell me ya dont think he pissed someone off.
DALLASCRANE
20 days ago
7832 Comments
Do the crime do the time. Justice is Blind.
fplasencia
20 days ago
5382 Comments
I have no words to express myself. I am so sorry to see my former CO in this mess and remember how I was right next to him once at WTC Rescue OP.
Well, you do the thing... You have to face it...
Sorry Boss, truly sorry.