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Nov-06-2009Kerik pleads guilty to federal charges(topic overview)
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WHITE PLAINS, New York (Reuters) - Former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik pleaded guilty on Thursday to lying to White House officials and tax evasion charges in a deal that could send him to prison for almost three years. Kerik, who as head of the police department stood beside former Mayor Rudy Giuliani at the time of the September 11, 2001, attacks, also admitted receiving apartment renovations from a construction firm suspected of organized crime ties and that he helped the company win city contracts. Once considered a star in law enforcement and national security, Kerik saw his career unravel when President George W. Bush nominated him in 2004 for U.S. Homeland Security secretary. Checks into his background led to the criminal charges. Stocky, with a shaved head, Kerik, 54, looked somber in federal court in White Plains, New York, where he pleaded guilty to eight charges in the deal. His corruption trial had been due to start next week, and he faced up to 30 years in prison on the most serious charge. Now he is likely to receive 27 to 33 months in prison under the plea deal. [1] Former New York City police chief Bernard Kerik has pleaded guilty to numerous charges in a plea deal. Mr Kerik, who was police commissioner at the time of the 9/11 attacks, entered into a deal with prosecution lawyers to plead guilty to lying to the White House, tax evasion and corruption charges, Kerik, who had his bail revoked two weeks ago for passing on secret pre-trial documents, had been due to stand trial next week. He made false statements to the White House in 2004 while being considered for a job as homeland security chief. Kerik admitted accepting a $250,000 kickback from a company to which he gave a city contract. He also admitted tax crimes including failing to report more than $500,000 in taxable income. While the prosecution has suggested the former police commissioner be sentenced to between 27 and 33 months in jail, New York judge, Stephen Robinson, after accepting the plea bargain, warned Mr Kerik that he could face up to 61 years in prison. Mr Kerik told the court he had given up his right to appeal and had also agreed to file amended tax returns and pay restitution.[2]
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. In a low but firm voice, Kerik said "guilty" eight times as he admitted to eight felonies, including lying about paying taxes on his children's nanny, hiding income from the Internal Revenue Service and faking a charitable contribution. Kerik acknowledged failing to declare on his returns book royalties, consultant fees and the use of a BMW.[3] Bernard Kerik, a former New York City police commissioner, pleaded guilty on Thursday to charges of lying to the White House and tax crimes. In a court in White Plains, N.Y., Bernard Kerik, who was the police commissioner when the Sept. 11 attacks occurred, entered eight guilty pleas in an agreement that will include a prosecution suggestion that the he should get a prison sentence of between 27 and 33 months. Kerik was nominated to head the Homeland Security department in 2004, but he withdrew amid corruption allegations. He lied to the White House during the vetting process for the Homeland Security post when he denied that he had any dealings with firms that wanted to do business with New York City. The tax charges stemmed from his hiding income from his tax returns.[4]
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (CN) - Bernard Kerik pleaded guilty today to lying to White House officials and said he would also admit to cheating on his taxes. The former New York City Police Commissioner's plea bargain was expected to send him to federal prison for two to three years. President George W. Bush nominated Kerik for Homeland Security secretary, but Kerik withdrew after accusations mounted that he had accepted thousands of dollars worth of gifts, including renovations to his apartment, when he was police commissioner. Kerik lied to the White House before his nomination unraveled. Today he told U.S. District Judge Stephen Robinson that he would admit to tax charges and refile his returns for three years.[5] Former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik pleaded guilty Thursday to eight federal felony counts, including lying to the White House when he was being vetted as the Bush administration's nominee to head the Department of Homeland Security. Kerik, 54, wiped away tears as he faced U.S. District Judge Stephen Robinson at a hearing in White Plains, N.Y., days before he had been scheduled for trial. He pleaded guilty to two counts of tax fraud, one count of making a false statement on a loan application, and five counts of making false statements to the White House.[6] The former New York City Police Commissioner and one-time nominee for Secretary of Homeland Security, Bernard Kerik, pleaded guilty today to eight felony counts related to actions that included lying to the White House and failing to report income and loans. 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, in this June 4, 2009 file photo. Kerik, 53, appeared contrite and spoke softly as he replied to federal judge Stephen Robinson's questions. As the judge assured Kerik he would take into account not only the crimes, but the whole of Kerik's life, tears began to roll down the former commissioner's cheeks. This prompted Robinson, who has been harshly critical of Kerik's past actions, to say "I think it's all a very sad day."[7]
Hailed as a hero for leading the NYPD during the 9/11 attacks, Kerik now faces the prospect of becoming the first New York city police commissioner ever imprisoned on federal crimes. His fall from grace exploded into view days after Bush nominated him for the Homeland Security post. Kerik abruptly withdrew his name just a week later blaming immigration and tax problems over the hiring of a household nanny. Soon more serious problems surfaced, stemming from $255,000 worth of renovations to his Riverdale, Bronx apartment allegedly supplied by a construction firm seeking more business with the city. Those allegations led to Kerik pleading guilty in Bronx Supreme Court to two misdemeanor charges for accepting gifts from the construction firm and lobbying on its behalf. He avoided a felony conviction and prison time with that 2006 plea but had to pay $221,000 in fines. However federal authorities expanded on the original Bronx case -- slapping Kerik in November 2007 with a 15 count indictment that included allegations that he cheated on his taxes, lied on his loan application for the Riverdale apartment and told White House officials that he had no financial entanglements with firms seeking business with the city. Kerik's mounting legal problems clouded the political fortunes of other elected officials, especially that of his mentor, former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. The two had met when Kerik volunteered to chauffeur Giuliani and provide security during his first unsuccessful race for mayor.[8] Kerik served as commissioner of the New York City Police Department during part of the tenure of Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and was in the post during the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. He also served as commissioner of the city's Department of Correction. Kerik and Giuliani were also personal friends and became business partners when they left office at the end of Giuliani's term. That partnership has since dissolved. A former detective, Kerik's career took a downhill turn after then-President George W. Bush nominated him for Homeland Security secretary in 2004. That's when he told the White House that he had never been involved with anyone who did business with the city of New York. He withdrew his name from consideration for the post when questions arose about his failure to pay taxes for a nanny. At the hearing, Kerik admitted to receiving $255,000 in renovations to his New York City apartment in 1999 and 2000 from a contractor who wanted to do business with the city during the time he headed the Correction Department. He acknowledged that he didn't report the value of the renovations on his federal tax return. Kerik told the judge that he lied to the White House about the renovations and his relationship with the contractor. "I falsely denied to the White House official that I had any such dealings," he said. "It is a sad day when the former chief law enforcement officer of New York City pleads guilty to eight federal felonies," said U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara.[6]
According to the indictment, Kerik then contacted regulators on behalf of the firm, but concealed the payments in tax returns as the firm was being investigated. On Thursday he also pleaded guilty to lying to White house officials about the renovations while being vetted to become the head of Homeland Security. He pleaded guilty to a total of eight charges. "It is a sad day when the former chief law enforcement officer of New York City pleads guilty to eight federal felonies," said U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, "but no one is above the law." Kerik was also accused of not declaring a total of 236,000 dollars in rent he received on an luxury apartment in New York's posh Upper East Side. Other payments allegedly not declared include a total of 100,000 dollars received from a software company and a book publisher. The 54-year-old is expected to be sentenced in February next year, when he could have faced 61 years in prison, but will likely receive a lesser sentence thanks to the plea deal. He has agreed to pay 187,931 dollars restitution, but faces additional fines running to over a million dollars.[9] ''The lies to the White House occurred during the Homeland Security background checks. Update at 1:48 p.m. ET: Kerik also pleaded guilty tax evasion charges in a deal that could send him to prison for almost three years. Reuers says Kerik looked somber in federal court in White Plains, New York, where he pleaded guilty to eight charges in the deal. His corruption trial had been due to start next week, and he faced up to 30 years in prison on the most serious charge.[10] WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik pleaded guilty Thursday to lying to the White House and tax crimes in a deal that could send him to prison for about 2 1/2 years. Kerik, who was police commissioner when New York was attacked on 9/11, won glowing reviews for his leadership. He eventually was nominated for the Homeland Security post in 2004 but withdrew as corruption allegations mounted.[11] MYFOXNY.COM - Former New York City police commissioner Bernard Kerik pleaded guilty to eight charges in a White Plains courtroom on Thursday morning. He admitted to eight felonies, including lying about paying taxes on his children's nanny, hiding income from the Internal Revenue Service and faking a charitable contribution. The case related to accusations that he lied to the White House as they did a background check on him for a nomination to be Homeland Security secretary.[12] The guilty pleas made in federal court in White Plains were part of a plea agreement Kerik reached with federal prosecutors. Among the allegations against him, he had faced charges for lying to the White House when he was being vetted for the Homeland Security post and for, when he was police commissioner, using his position to get New York City to award business to a contractor Kerik received favors from. "Guilty," he said eight times in a firm voice as he appeared in the suburban courtroom.[13] Mr Kerik, who was police commissioner at the time of the 9/11 attacks, had been due to stand trial next week. He had his bail revoked two weeks ago for passing on secret pre-trial documents and has been in prison since. He made false statements to the White House in 2004 while being considered for a job as homeland security chief. Mr Kerik made his eight guilty pleas at a court in White Plains, New York state.[14]
Bernard Kerik became the first NYPD commissioner to admit committing a crime Wednesday, pleading guilty to lying about a secret payoff he took from a mob-linked contractor. In a 90-minute hearing in White Plains Federal Court, Kerik pleaded guilty to eight of 15 charges against him. They included not telling the'' IRS the contractor footed the bill for a $255,000 renovation of his apartment, and lying to the White House. With his corruption trial set to begin next week, the former top cop worked out a last-minute deal in which prosecutors dropped the most serious charges - mail and wire fraud - and agreed to recommend prison time of 27 to 33 months. "I think this is all a very sad day," Federal Judge Stephen Robinson in accepting the dramatic plea. The judge noted that Kerik has lived "a full life," and that "there is much good in that life" he would take into account when Kerik is sentenced Feb. 18.[15] U.S. District Judge Stephen Robinson set Kerik's sentencing for February 18. In court papers, prosecutors said Kerik denied to a White House official that there was "any possible concern" about his relationships with the contractors involved in renovations to his apartment or that he had any financial dealings with prospective city contractors. Kerik, 54, had been scheduled to go to trial next week on a variety of corruption charges, including allegations that he received and concealed benefits of about $255,000 in renovations to his Riverdale, New York, apartment from a company seeking to do business with the city of New York. He pleaded guilty to that charge and several tax-related counts during Thursday morning's hearing. Robinson said he would take into account Kerik's life and career, which he said "included good" as well as wrongdoing. Kerik put his head in his hands at that point. According to court papers released in late October, he violated the terms of his bail by leaking confidential evidence about his case to a lawyer who published the material online.[16]
Kerik, a former detective, was once Giuliani's driver, later became head of the city's jails and in 2000 and 2001 headed the largest police department in the United States. When Kerik was nominated to become Homeland Security secretary, disclosures about his failure to pay taxes for a nanny undermined his consideration for the job and he withdrew from consideration. Kerik pleaded guilty to charges of tax evasion, lying on a bank loan application and lying to the federal government, including lying to White House officials about his association with anyone doing business with the city of New York. "I falsely denied to the White House official that I had any such dealings," Kerik told the judge. Kerik and Giuliani were good friends who became business partners after they left office at the conclusion of Giuliani's stint as mayor.[1] The long downfall of Bernard Kerik came to an abrupt end today when Kerik pleaded guilty to a deal that resolves three federal cases against him, according to the Associated Press. Kerik, the former New York City police commissioner once so popular the Bush administration nearly named him Homeland Security chief, will serve a prison sentence between 27 and 33 months under the terms of the deal, according to the AP. His first federal trial was scheduled to begin in New York on Monday, and he has been in jail since late last month, when a federal judge revoked his bail after Kerik and an ally sent a bizarre e-mail to the Washington Times containing sealed court records.[17] WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Bernard Kerik, a former New York City police commissioner and one-time nominee for Homeland Security secretary, will enter a guilty plea to resolve three pending criminal trials, a person familiar with the case said Wednesday. Kerik plans to enter the plea in a federal courtroom on Thursday in a deal that could bring him a recommended prison term of around 2 1/2 years, the person told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.[18]
On the''eve of his corruption trial ex- NYPD top cop Bernard Kerik was offered a plea deal that would get him out of jail in under three years, the Daily News has learned. Kerik faces three federal trials, the first on charges he got $255,000 in apartment renovations from a mob-linked contractor seeking a city permit. The second trial, also in White Plains, involves charges of hiding more than $300,000 book fees, royalties and free rent from the IRS. A third case filed in Washington federal court charges the former NYPD commissioner with making false statements on his application when President George W. Bush tapped him to be Homeland Secretary.[19] A weeping Bernard Kerik pleaded guilty Thursday to federal fraud and tax charges that could land him in prison for more than two years. Inside a packed White Plains courtroom Kerik, who once ran the NYPD and the City Department of Correction, admitted to eight felonies in a sweeping corruption case that he has been vigorously fighting -- until today. Kerik, 54, admitted to cheating on his taxes, lying about accepting apartment renovations from a construction firm accused of having mob ties and omitting that information from his 2004 application to become the nation's homeland security director. He broke down in tears when Federal Judge Stephen Robinson hinted at his past accomplishments, saying they would be a factor in his sentencing, set for Feb. 18.[8] Disgraced NYPD police commissioner Bernard Kerik is expected to plead guilty to federal conspiracy charges in coneection with his acceptance of cash and gifts while a public official. If Kerik goes through with the deal, he could face more than two years in prison. Kerik had been facing three separate trial in connection with alleged corruption, tax fraud and lying on his application to become secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.[20]
The other world news stories of the day. NEW YORK Former New York city police commissioner Bernard Kerik pleaded guilty yesterday to lying to White House officials, tax evasion and other charges in a deal that could send him to prison for almost three years.[21] The New York City Police Commissioner who received a seemingly endless stream of accolades for his bravery and leadership during 9/11, today pleaded guilty to lying to White House officials, tax evasion and various other charges. In terms of a plea agreement reached between the state and himself, Bernard Kerik repeatedly confirmed his plea of guilty to 8 charges in court.[22] WHITE PLAINS - Former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik pleaded guilty today in White Plains federal court to tax fraud, lying to White House officials and lying on a mortgage application.[23] WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Former New York City police Commissioner Bernard Kerik (KEHR'-ihk) has pleaded guilty to lying to the White House and says he'll also admit tax crimes. Kerik made his first of an expected eight pleas on Thursday.[24]
Former New York City police chief Bernard Kerik has pleaded guilty to lying to the White House, tax evasion and corruption charges, in a plea deal.[14]
FILE - 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.[25] Former New York City police commissioner Bernard Kerik entered a guilty plea Thursday, admitting that he lied to the Bush White House as they were investigating him for the post of head of the Department of Homeland Security, various media reported. Kerik also said he would admit to tax crimes as well, the Associated Press reported.[26] Remember Bernard Kerik ? The former New York police commissioner, widely praised after Sept. 11 and for work on security in Iraq, was supposed to be secretary of Homeland Security under President Bush. Today, in a New York courtroom,Kerik pleaded guilty to influence peddling.It was the climax of a fall that began in 2004. Back then, his withdrawal as Bush'''s pick for Homeland Security was swift. Consider this. Supporters of Kerik who watched him lead the New York Police Department through the attacks on the World Trade Center said he was up to the job. "He has always been a very strong leader," said Patrick J. Lynch, president of the New York City Patrolmen'''s Benevolent Assn., the police union. "He understands security needs, especially in response to terrorism." Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) said in a statement that Kerik knew "the great needs and challenges this country faces in homeland security." "He has a strong law enforcement background, and I believe will do an excellent job in fighting for the resources and focus that homeland security needs and deserves in our post-9/11 world," Schumer said. Former New York Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik on Friday abruptly withdrew himself from consideration as the nation'''s next Homeland Security chief, saying he had determined that a former household employee might have been an illegal immigrant.[27] Kerik served as New York police commissioner from 1998 to 2002 -- a tenure that included the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack that destroyed the World Trade Center and killed more than 2,700 people. He spent a brief stint in Iraq training the country's police force after the U.S. invasion in 2003, and was nominated by President George W. Bush for the post of homeland security secretary in 2004. He withdrew from consideration after allegations surfaced that he employed a nanny whose immigration status was murky. In 2006, Kerik pleaded guilty to accepting tens of thousands of dollars worth of gifts while he worked as city corrections commissioner, but under a plea agreement he paid $221,000 in fines and avoided jail time. His admission dogged the 2008 presidential campaign of his longtime patron, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who said his endorsement of Kerik had been "a mistake."[16]
White Plains, New York (CNN) -- Former New York Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik on Thursday pleaded guilty to charges of lying to Bush administration officials who vetted his unsuccessful 2004 nomination to be homeland security secretary.[16] Bernie Kerik was transported from the hoosegow to the courthouse today where he pleaded guilty to federal charges of lying to the Bush Administration while he was being vetted for the post of Homeland Security chief, regarding some bills on which he received assistance from a potential city vendor while serving as New York's corrections commissioner. Kerik indicated he would also plead guilty on related tax charges. The former top cop was looking at decades in prison on various charges, but it is expected that this arrangement will only net him a couple of years.[28] The fall happened just as fast. It began at the end of 2004, when then-President George W.Bush named Kerik as his choice to head the Department of Homeland Security. Questions about some of his dealings led to the nomination being withdrawn, but it was too late to save him. On Thurday, Kerik plead guilty to federal charges that stemmed from the nomination, which included lying to the Bush administration about his relationship with contractors who worked for the city and renovated his apartment. He's also expected to admit to his guilt on tax charges. Prosecutors have recommended 27 to 33 months in prison, but a judge could decide to sentence him to more than that -- the maximum is 61 years. The plea came after Kerik, who'd originally planned a vigorous defense, had his bail revoked and was sent to jail a little more than two weeks ago. During that time, there were reportedly serious concerns about his mental state and he spent 10 days in a psychiatric unit.[29] Bernie and Rudy, in happier, post-9/11 times. Today Kerik pleaded guilty to eight felonies, including lying on his application to be the director of Homeland Security, cheating the IRS, helping to prepare false tax returns and making other false statements to the federal government. By pleading guilty, Kerik pulled the plug on three pending federal trials, but Judge Stephen C. Robinson warned Kerik today that he could still sentence him to however longs he deems appropriate. According to the AP, Judge Robinson warned Kerik that the maximum sentence for the counts to which he was pleading was 61 years in prison, and Robinson reminded the court he was not bound by the terms of the plea agreement.[30] The agreement itself was reached in order to bring an end to three pending federal criminal trials, the first of which was scheduled to start Monday. While the prosecution had called for 27 to 33 months imprisonment in terms of the plea bargain, the accused was warned by Judge Stephen Robinson that the court is not bound by the deal that had been reached and that Kerik could face up to 61 years in jail as a result of the charges for which he is being convicted. The defendant confirmed that he was aware of this, had waived his right to appeal and would be paying back around $190 000 in restitution. The charges involve Kerik denying to White House officials that he was any way involved with firms which were tendering for city business, while his tax returns omitted certain of his income.[22] Checks into his background revealed he lied to White House officials and led to the criminal charges. Kerik, 54, wiped away tears as he appeared in court yesterday to admit eight charges. His corruption trial had been due to start next week, and he faced up to 30 years in prison on the most serious charge. Now he is likely to receive 27 to 33 months in prison under a plea bargain deal when he is sentenced in Feb. Judge Stephen Robinson said Kerik was "not a one-dimensional character" and vowed to take his achievements into consideration at sentencing. "I think this is a very sad day," said Judge Robinson.[31]
If convicted of all charges, he would face 20 years in prison, according to the New York Post, which is also reporting the plea bargain deal. ABC disclosed that "it now appears Kerik will plead guilty to at least one of the corruption charges leveled against him," while the Post asserts that the plea will cover all charges he faces and send him to prison for 27 to 33 months. On Oct. 19, District Court Judge Stephen Robinson revoked Kerik's $500,000 bail and sent him to jail to await trial. Robinson said Kerik disclosed sealed case information to the trustee of his legal defense fund.[32]
Disgraced former NYC Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik is on the verge of accepting a plea bargain agreement in which he would serve about 27 months in federal prison, sources close to the negotiation tell ABC News. Former police commissioner Bernard Kerik, jailed in Westchester County on corruption charges, could soon accept a plea bargain agreement, where he would serve about 27 months in federal prison, sources say. The legal team for the man once dubbed "America's Police Commissioner," following his leadership in the aftermath of September 11, has until Thursday to waive his right to trial and accept the deal, the terms of which are still being finalized, sources say. Prosecutors have alleged that Kerik, while New York City Correction Commissioner - a post he held prior to his appointment as Police Commissioner by Rudolph Giuliani - allowed a construction company to pay for renovations to his Bronx apartment in the hope that he would help the company obtain a city license.[33] NEW YORK — Former New York police commissioner Bernard Kerik pleaded guilty to a slew of charges in his high-profile corruption trial Thursday, a federal prosecutor said. Kerik, who was New York's head of police at the time of the September 11, 2001 attacks, admitted to accepting 255,000 dollars worth of renovations to his apartment from a construction firm angling for government contracts.[9]
New York - Ex-New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik pleaded guilty to charges growing out of accusations that he traded influence for apartment renovations.[34]
"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. He said in court that while being vetted for that position, he denied that he had any financial dealings with anyone doing business with New York City and that he had specifically refused payments that were offered. He admitted Thursday, however, that he had actually accepted renovations of his Bronx apartment from a company seeking city work. Those apartment renovations were the focus of the original corruption charge, which alleged that Kerik accepted the renovations in exchange for vouching for the company.[3] The two sides came to a confidential settlement, according to our prior reports.) Kerik faced an array of federal charges in New York and Washington, D.C. The original federal case concerned Kerik's acceptance of renovations to his apartment in exchange for helping a company land a contract to do business with New York City. Federal prosecutors later added charges that Kerik lied to federal officials who were vetting him for the Homeland Security position. ( Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft was assisting Berke in this matter, which was to go to trial separately in Washington, D.C.).[17] Kerik agreed to make restitution of $187,931. The official was charged originally in New York with 14 counts related to claims that he accepted renovations to his apartment in return for recommending a company that sought business with the city. Prosecutors said he had an unidentified company make $255,000 in renovations to an apartment he purchased in the Riverdale section of New York in exchange for doing business with the city. He was accused in Washington of lying to the White House about the New York matter in 2004 while being considered for the top job at the new U.S. Homeland Security Department.[34]
Kerik was facing more than 60 years in prison for the charges but agreed to a plea deal that could cut that sentence down to just over two years. Kerik was serving as police chief at the time of the 9/11 attacks and his response quickly elevated him to hero status. In 2004 Kerik was nominated for the position of head of the Department of Homeland Security but he eventually removed his name from consideration after questions surrounding tax evasion and extra marital affairs surfaced. In addition to admitting he lied to government officials during the nomination process Kerik also admitted to accepting $250,000 in apartment renovations from a company that was awarded a city contract as well as failing to pay taxes on more than $500,000 of taxable income between 1999 and 2004. The trial was due to begin next week but now that Kerik accepted the plea deal he will be sentenced in February.[35] Under the plea bargain, the prosecution has suggested the former police commissioner be sentenced to between 27 and 33 months in jail. Mr Kerik told the court he had given up his right to appeal. He has also agreed to file amended tax returns and pay restitution. As well as making false statements to the White House and other federal officials, Mr Kerik admitted accepting a $250,000 (£151,000) payback in the form of apartment renovations from a company to which he gave a city contract. He also admitted tax crimes including failing to report more than $500,000 (£302,000) in taxable income between 1999 and 2004.[14] Once elected in 1993, Giuliani promoted Kerik, a high school dropout, to the highest levels of city government. The mayor eventually tapped his former bodyguard as the city's 40th police commissioner in 2001 despite his attaining only the lowest rank for a detective and failing to earn a college degree -- a requirement for officers above the rank of sergeant. During his failed presidential bid in 2008, Giuliani had to admit that he erred in recommending Kerik to President Bush. Kerik's dealings with former Westchester County District Attorney Jeanine Pirro also caused her embarrassment during her failed bid for New York State Attorney General in 2006. During that campaign, she was under criminal investigation for allegedly conspiring with Kerik, then a private eye, to secretly tape record her husband in an attempt to confirm whether he was having an affair with another woman. Pirro was never charged in that investigation and Kerik's plea today clears him in the matter, according to court documents released Thursday. Kerik had steadfastly maintained his innocence in the federal case. He recently ran afoul of Judge Robinson, who revoked his $500,000 bail on October 20th for allegedly leaking confidential case information in an attempt to taint the jury pool. Behind bars in the Westchester County Jail for two days, he agreed to be transferred to the facility's psychiatric unit to deal with symptoms of stress. After 10 days, jail officials gave him a clean bill of mental health. Kerik remained in jail after his plea. His lawyers have asked for bail before his sentencing in February and Judge Robinson agreed to consider the request.[8] WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (AP) — Just days before starting a triathlon of trials, former New York City police Commissioner Bernard Kerik appears to be opting for a shortcut. A person familiar with the case said Wednesday that Kerik, who won praise nationwide for his steadiness after the 9/11 terrorist attack in New York, planned to enter a guilty plea Thursday that would resolve three pending federal criminal trials.[24] Bernard B. Kerik, a former New York police commissioner, pleaded guilty to eight felonies in a Federal District Court in White Plains on Thursday morning.[36]
Bernard Kerik, the one-time New York City police commissioner and nominee to be Homeland Security Secretary, plead guilty to eight federal counts on Thursday and faces 2-1/2 years in prison.[13] With regard to Bernard Kerik's plea, U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara for the Southern District of New York said, ". Anytime a former commissioner of police of the City of New York has to plead guilty to eight federal felonies is a sad day, but no one is above the law and we prosecute anyone, no matter who they are."[7]
Former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik is expected to accept a plea bargain agreement on federal corruption charges that would put him behind bars for at least 27 months, according to published reports.[32] Former New York City police chief Bernard Kerik has pled guilty to charges that he lied to the White House as well as charges tied to tax evasion and corruption.[35]
Kerik also admitted not disclosing the payments to the White House. He remains in custody, but defense attorney Michael Bachner said he would make a bail application, something Robinson said he would seriously consider. "It is a sad day when the former chief law enforcement officer of New York City pleads guilty to eight federal felonies," said U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara in a statement.[37] "At the time I sent the email, I had accepted the renovations,'' Kerik said. He then said, "I did your honor," when Judge Robinson asked if he realized that conduct was wrong. "It's a sad day when the former chief law enforcement officer of New York city pleads guilty to eight felonies, but no one is above the law," said Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York.[8]
The former appointee of Mayor Rudy Giuliani would also have to plead guilty to some charges in the tax evasion case, as well as admit to filing false statements. Pressure has mounted on Kerik to resolve his outstanding legal issues since Oct. 20, when prosecutors claimed Kerik was involved in trying to sway potential jurors on the eve of his trial. White Plains Federal Judge Stephen Robinson threw him into the Westchester County jail. He was segregated from other inmates because of his law enforcement background. Two days after he arrived he was placed in the psychiatric unit after displaying certain unspecified "symptoms" in lockup.[19] The trial was expected to last about six weeks. Then Kerik was to face a second trial in White Plains on various tax charges; the third case, in Washington, accused him of lying to the White House during his Homeland Security vetting. Lawyers never said whether Kerik or his mentor, former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, would testify. Both sides had asked Robinson to question potential jurors about their feelings toward Giuliani. The judge, disclosing that he once worked for Giuliani, said the former mayor "may become an issue."[18] Dressed in his signature dark gray suit and red tie, a chastened Kerik, 54, admitted his guilt in federal court in White Plains to eight felonies, including one of a conspiracy that spanned the time he was police commissioner during the harrowing time of Sept. 11, 2001. Kerik admitted lying to the White House in 2004 when he was being considered to head the Department of Homeland Security, a job for which mentor and former Mayor Rudy Giuliani had recommended him to the Bush administration. He later dropped out of the running after questions arose about his background.[37] Ex-NYC Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik admitted in court that he lied to the Bush White House while being considered for chief of Homeland Security.[38]
Mr. Kerik, 54, pleaded guilty to two counts of tax fraud, one count of making a false statement on a loan application the most serious and five separate counts of making false statements to the federal government. These last charges stemmed from statements Mr. Kerik made to the White House during the vetting process after the Bush administration nominated him to lead the Department of Homeland Security. He later withdrew his name.[36] For your reading pleasure, here's a copy of former NYPD Commissioner Bernie Kerik's plea agreement. Kerik pleaded guilty to eight of the 15 charges against him, including lying to the IRS and the White House about a secret payoff he took from a contractor linked to organized crime.[39]
The first had been scheduled to start Monday. Judge Stephen Robinson warned Kerik that the maximum sentence for the counts to which he was pleading was 61 years in prison; the judge said he was not bound by the terms of the plea agreement. Kerik said he understood and told the judge he was giving up his right to appeal. He also agreed to pay about $188,000 in restitution. Kerik denied to the White House that he'd had any financial dealings with firms trying to do business with the city. The tax charges included hiding income from his returns. In the agreement, he promised to file amended tax returns for 1999 through 2003, and 2005.[11] The lies to the White House occurred during that vetting process. Kerik also told the court today that he would admit to counts that included cheating the IRS, helping to prepare false tax returns, and making other false statements to the federal government. The judge warned Kerik that the maximum sentence was 61 years and that he wasn't bound by the plea deal.[40]
A person familiar with the case says Kerik plans to enter a guilty plea Thursday that would resolve three pending federal criminal trials alleging corruption, tax fraud and lying to the White House.[25] Under the deal, Kerik would reportedly serve a 27-month term in federal prison. His legal team apparently has until Thursday to waive the right to trial and accept the deal. Kerik is expected to plead guilty to at least one of the corruption charges levied against him. Under the agreement, Kerik would not have to stand three separate federal trials on charges of corruption, tax evasion and lying to federal officials - like he was initially slated to do.[41] During the hearing, Judge Reena Raggi repeated criticized Kerik's counsel for delivering the voluminous information related to the motion in dribs and drabs and late in the evening before the hearing. It now appears Kerik will plead guilty to at least one of the corruption charges leveled against him. Earlier in the legal process, which has cost Kerik about $2 million, he rejected a plea deal.[33] As part of Mr. Kerik's plea deal, prosecutors requested far less time behind bars for Mr. Kerik, who had also been commissioner of the city's Correction Department. One charge that had been expected, depriving the public of his honest services as a government official, was not addressed. Judge Robinson asked Mr. Kerik a series questions to be sure he was aware of his rights.[36] The firm was ultimately barred from bidding on city contracts due to financial ties to members of the Gambino crime family. The News exclusively reported Kerik's plea deal on Tuesday, 12 days after Judge Robinson tossed him into Westchester County jail for trying to taint his potential jury pool.[15]
"There were no significant findings that would necessitate Mr. Kerik's ongoing admission to the forensic unit," Judge Robinson said. The judge said last week that Kerik had exhibited "symptoms" in jail after being held in isolation from other inmates because he had been the NYPD head as well as New York City corrections commissioner.[20] WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — The psychiatric director at the Westchester County Jail says former New York City police commissioner Bernard Kerik is not a threat to himself or others.[42] WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Former New York Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik is not in need of psychiatric care and has been discharged from the mental-care unit at the jail where he's awaiting trial, a top jail doctor said Monday.[43]
Kerik spent 10 days in the jail's psychiatric unit because of stress. In the first trial, which had been scheduled to begin Monday in White Plains, Kerik was accused of accepting renovations to his co-op apartment in exchange for recommending a company that was looking to do business with New York City.[24] Kerik, who wore a suit and tie in the White Plains courthouse, sat quietly at the defense table. He is scheduled to go on trial Nov. 9 for allegedly accepting co-op renovations in exchange for recommending a company that sought city business. He has pleaded not guilty. Judge Stephen Robinson had expressed concern in court on Friday while discussing a memo he received from Mahler and a phone conversation between them. The judge said the doctor told him Kerik was displaying behavior that put him "at risk."[43]
Kerik, 54, admitted guilt of eight counts today before U.S. District Judge Stephen Robinson in White Plains, New York. He faces a maximum possible sentence of 61 years in prison when he's sentenced Feb. 18.[34] Mr Kerik had previously denied all charges. He faces sentencing in February next year. In court, Judge Stephen Robinson warned Mr Kerik that he could face up to 61 years in prison for the offences to which he was pleading guilty.[14]
Kerik also pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return and one count of making a false statement on a loan application. While he faces a maximum prison term of 61 years, federal sentencing guidelines suggest a sentence ranging from 27 to 33 months. The judge is free to impose whatever sentence he sees fit.[37]
Today's deal resolves each of the three matters, the AP says. The deal is not a surprise, since Kerik pleaded guilty in 2006 to accepting gifts and loans during his time as a New York City official.[17] Jury selection for Kerik's first trial has been scheduled to begin on Nov. 9. The corruption charge facing him in that trial stems from renovations to Kerik's apartment while he was New York City corrections commissioner in 1999. Prosecutors allege that a New Jersey construction company gave him a lowball price on the apartment work in the hope that he would help the firm gain city permits.[32] The first trial was set to begin Monday. In that case, Kerik was accused of accepting renovations to his Bronx co-op apartment in exchange for recommending a company that was looking to do business with New York City.[18]
Giuliani appointed Kerik to run city jails in 1998, then to head the NYPD in 2000. Both were hailed as heroes after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and, for a time, Kerik was President Bush's nominee to run Homeland Security. That nomination was withdrawn after Kerik admitted he hadn't paid Social Security to a nanny, but that was just'' the tip of the Kerik iceberg. The scope of his poor judgment emerged Wednesday as he admitted his wrongdoing. While he was corrections commissioner and just before Giuliani made him top cop, prosecutors said Interstate Materials, a New Jersey contractor seeking a city permit had secretly funded renovations to Kerik's Bronx apartment. In exchange, Kerik admitted, he spoke to city investigators vouching for the integrity of the contractor.[15] Speaking with city investigators looking at the contractor's ties to the Gambino crime family. Lying to the White House about his involvement with the contractor when President Bush nominated him to run Homeland Security. After his plea, Kerik was returned to the Westchester County Jail. His lawyers said they will ask that he be released in the coming days. Kerik's plea leaves a permanent stain on the reputation of his mentor, ex- Mayor Rudy Giuliani, a potential Republican candidate for governor.[15] Sentencing was set down for February 18 next year. Kerik, as a result of his conduct on 9/11 had been nominated for the Homeland Security post by President George W. Bush in 2004 but had to withdraw as allegations of corruption and extramarital affairs mounted against him. The lies to the White House for which he was convicted arose during that vetting process.[22] The lies to the White House occurred during the Homeland Security vetting process. As commissioner, Kerik won praise nationwide for his steadiness after 9/11. The first of his trials had been scheduled to start Monday in White Plains, N.Y.[24]
Kerik was once former Mayor Rudy Giuliani's driver but rose to head the largest police department in the United States. When he was nominated to become Homeland Security secretary, investigations revealed he had failed to pay taxes for a nanny and he withdrew from consideration. It later emerged he had made false statements to the White House and failed to report more than £300,000 in taxable income between 1999 and 2004.[31] The case was an embarrassment to Kerik's mentor, former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who was running for president when Kerik was charged. Giuliani, a Republican, had named Kerik police commissioner, had gone into private business with him and had pushed President George W. Bush to nominate him to run the Department of Homeland Security.[24] Former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani appointed Kerik police commissioner in 2000. Kerik withdrew as a candidate for the Homeland Security job, for which Giuliani recommended him, after it was disclosed that he failed to pay taxes for a housekeeper.[34] Berke said outside the courtroom that the discussion showed that Kerik's health was "an absolute non-issue." Kerik, who was police commissioner when New York was attacked on 9/11, won glowing reviews for his leadership. He eventually was nominated for U.S. Homeland Security chief but withdrew as corruption allegations mounted.[43]
Bernard Kerik, who was police commissioner at the time of the 9/11 attacks, also confessed to having his apartment renovated by a construction firm which was later given a city contract. Kerik was once considered a star in law enforcement and national security but his career unravelled when Mr Bush nominated him as U.S. Homeland Security secretary in 2004.[31]
NEW YORK (WPIX) - Former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik is on the verge of accepting a plea bargain agreement, sources tell ABC News.[41] Former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik exits Bronx supreme court on June 30, 2006.[37]
The mugshot of Bernard B. Kerik, the former New York City police commissioner and correction commissioner.[12]
Kerik, who once served as former New York City mayor Rudolph Giuliani's chauffeur and bodyguard, rose through the ranks of the police department to become police commissioner, enjoying hero status in the wake of the September 11 attacks. He went on to help train Iraq's fledgling police force after the US-led invasion in 2003.[9] Bernie Kerik started from humble beginnings, but he rose to the top at a remarkable speed. His mother, he revealed in his autobiography, was a prostitute, but he went into law enforcement. Once he became friends with New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, things happened fast: In less than a decade, he went from being an undercover detective to the city's correction commissioner and then the head of its police department.[29]
Kerik was a close friend of former Mayor Rudy Giuliani and was New York's police commissioner on the day of the September 11, 2001, attacks.[22]
Kerik had been recommended to President George W. Bush for the Homeland Security job by former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, who turned down the job himself.[7] Kerik won praise nationwide after the 9/11 terrorist attacks and nearly became Homeland Security chief. Associated Press Writer Tom Hays in New York contributed to this report.[25]
"You've lived a full life and I should be able to take into account that full life." Before he wept, Kerik said "Guilty" eight times for crimes that could have sent him to prison for 60 years. He is expected to receive a prison term of 27 to 33 months. During his plea, Kerik explained that he had failed to disclose potential problems in his past while going through the application process to join President Bush's cabinet as homeland security czar.[8] The plea deal could send Kerik, who nearly became Homeland Security chief, to prison for about 2 1/2 years, the person told The Associated Press.[24] The person tells The Associated Press that Kerik was expected to enter the plea in a White Plains federal courtroom on Thursday. The person says the plea deal could send him to prison for around 2 1/2 years. Kerik's attorney Michael Bachner said Wednesday he could not confirm or deny a plea agreement.[44] The person was not authorized to discuss the plea negotiations publicly. Kerik, who won wide praise for his steadiness running the NYPD at the time of the 9/11 attacks, technically would have faced up to 140 years in prison if convicted of all the charges pending against him in White Plains and Washington.[18]
Kerik could be fined in addition to being sentenced to prison. He has already agreed to pay nearly $188,000 in restitution and to resummit his personal tax returns for six years, paying past-due taxes and penalties. The charges against him had been divided into corruption allegations, tax crimes and lying to the White House.[3] Kerik faced up to 140 years in prison if convicted of corruption and fraud charges. The first of his three trials was to begin Monday.[44]
Kerik, hailed as a hero after the 9/11 attack, was not required to plead guilty to the main corruption charges against him, according to the plea deal. He will be sentenced on Feb. 18.[38] The trustee leaked some of the secret information to The Washington Times, which didn't publish it. Kerik had rejected an earlier plea deal and pleaded not guilty to all federal charges against him.[32]
Kerik faces numerous other federal charges, and two additional federal indictments following the current trial, which is slated to begin jury selection on Nov. 9. He has pleaded not guilty to the federal charges against him.[33]
Disgraced former NYPD Commissioner Bernie Kerik pleaded guilty today to eight federal counts, including lying to the White Ho.[45]
There's much good in that life." The former top police official in the largest U.S. city read a statement in a crowded courtroom in which he acknowledged his crimes. At least a dozen federal agents who worked on the case attended. "It's a sad day for a former New York City police chief to plead guilty to eight felonies," U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said in a statement.[34] A former New York police commissioner who was championed by George W Bush is facing three years in jail after admitting tax evasion.[31] Bush nominated Kerik in December 2004. Kerik withdrew his name a week later, citing immigration and tax issues over a former nanny. Associated Press writer Tom Hays in New York contributed to this report.[24]
Kerik could become a campaign issue next year if Giuliani decides to run for governor of New York.[1] New York's former top cop was charged with accepting renovations to his apartment in exchange for helping a company get city business. He will probably spend at least two years in prison.[34] Kerik, is currently being held in the Westchester County Jail. Kerik withdrew his nomination to become the head of the Department of Homeland Security after admitting he had not paid taxes for a nanny who was apparently not a legal immigrant. He was reportedly charged with accepting apartment renovations from a construction company in exchange for recommending the company for city contacts.[41] Bush nominated Kerik in December 2004 to replace Tom Ridge, the nation's first head of the Department of Homeland Security. Kerik withdrew his name a week later, citing immigration and tax issues over a former nanny.[18] Mr Kerik had been hailed as a national hero following the 9/11 terror attacks and was nominated for the post of the head of the Department of Homeland Security under the Bush administration in 2004. He withdrew his name from consideration for the role after he was accused of failing to pay taxes, and of having extramarital affairs.[14]
Prosecutors allege that Kerik also provided false information to the White House while under consideration for the job of head of Homeland Security, a post he was nominated for by President George Bush.[33]
Kerik had been named by President Bush to become secretary of the Department of Homeland Security in 2004, but withdrew during the vetting process.[10]
Kerik was also accused of concealing the gift from investigators and from the Internal Revenue Service. The final count in the first trial alleged that when Kerik was being considered for a Homeland Security advisory position, he denied having any "questionable business affiliations."[18] Rudy Juliani, thank you very much for nominating people of such character like Bernard Kerik for sensitive and important position like Homeland Security. This explains your judgement and your incompetency.[36] Kerik was nominated for Homeland Security chief in 2004 but withdrew as corruption allegations mounted.[40]
{"comments":,"media":{"isPublicTaggingAllowed":false,"uploadToAkamai":"","categories":"","pathToMedia":"331744_69190352","adminTags":"cid_69190352,ct_article,sid_331744,sid_333099,sid_333224,sid_525172,sid_525212,sid_525222","uploadedByPhoto":"116995/icons/defaultMember_116995_portrait.jpg?t=1248875781749","views":164,"uploadedByName":"nbc_editor","isAdultContent":false,"updatedAt":"5 Nov 2009 17:39:52 GMT","country":"","pathToPreview48X48":"user/defaultAudio_48x48_E.jpg","inappropriateFlagCount":0,"isRatedByMe":"F","tags":"bored,furious,intrigued,sad,thrilled","originalFileFormat":"","isFavorite":"F","userId":7918858,"name":"Kerik Expected to Make Deal Tomorrow","description":"A week out from the start of his corruption trial, former top cop Bernard Kerik is expected to make a deal tomorrow, a source familiar with the case said today."[20] The deal would let Kerik plead to lesser charges in the corruption case, sources said. He would only have to admit to conspiracy to deprive the city of honest services.[19]
Kerik "poses no risk to himself or others due to any psychiatric illness," Dr. Robert Mahler said in a letter to the federal judge handling Kerik's corruption case.[43] A letter from Dr. Robert Mahler was read Monday in federal court. He says Kerik was discharged Monday from a unit which treats cases of mental illness. Mahler said Kerik's admission to the unit was voluntary and he found no reason to keep him in the unit. Judge Stephen Robinson had expressed concern Friday when Mahler told him that Kerik was showing signs of risky behavior.[42] Federal Judge Stephen Robinson revoked Kerik's $500,000 bail Oct. 20, citing evidence that Kerik had violated a court order by releasing sealed materials that he felt may have been exculpatory to Kerik, and that information was shared with members of the media.[33]
The first had been scheduled to start Monday. (U.S. District Judge Stephen C.) Robinson warned Kerik that the maximum sentence for the counts to which he was pleading was 61 years in prison; the judge said he was not bound by the terms of the plea agreement. Kerik said he understood and told the judge he was giving up his right to appeal. He also agreed to pay about $188,000 in restitution.[13] "No one is above the law," said U.S. attorney Preet Bharara in a statement. Judge Stephen Robinson warned Kerik that he was not bound by the prosecution's sentencing recommendation, and said the maximum sentence could total 61 years behind bars.[4]
Following the hearing, Kerik returned to jail. His lawyers said they would ask he be freed on bail prior to sentencing, and the judge said he would be receptive to that. The charges to which he pled could have carried a maximum of 61 years in prison.[7] New returns will have to be refiled for certain tax years. Kerik is currently in custody as a result of his bail having been revoked for passing on secret pre-trial documents which has kept him in jail for the past month. Michael Bachner, his lawyer, confirmed that he would be applying for a change of bail conditions which the judge said he would give careful consideration to.[22]
Last year, Kerik turned down an initial guilty plea offer of six months in jail. Instead he vowed to fight the charges, in part to avoid a felony conviction so he could continue his work as a private investigator.[20] Kerik originally pleaded not guilty. He pledged to fight the charges when he was indicted two years ago. He appeared steely and stoic through most of the long pretrial process until Oct. 20, when he was suddenly jailed for sharing secret pretrial information.[18]
Wearing a blue suit and a red tie, Mr. Kerik, with a subdued expression, appeared in the packed courtroom and said, "Guilty, your honor," as each of the charges were read by Judge Stephen C. Robinson.[36] 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.[3] During an interview, Kerik denied having any financial dealings with contractors seeking to do business with the city. Prosecutors say contractors spent more than $255,000 renovating his apartment. The pleas could send him to prison for around 2 1/2 years.[12] The statutory maximum is 61 years, and Robinson does not have to accept the plea deal. Prosecutors said Kerik also agreed to pay $187,931 in restitution, and he could face additional fines.[6] The person told The Associated Press that the plea deal could send the 54-year-old Kerik to prison for about 2 1/2 years.[25]
Yes Bernard Kerik is a THREAT to society. He was the Mafia's man on the inside and it is OUTRAGEOUS that he was even nominated for Director of DHS. Bernard Kerik plead GUILTY. He is, by his own admission, a CROOK. Here's hoping he gets the full 61 years. He is nothing but a Mafia boot-boy. Let Bernard Kerik rot in prison with his fellow FELONS.[30] Former NYPD Commissioner Bernard Kerik is now the first city police commissioner in history to become a felon.[15] "Kerik rose from being a warden and police detective to become Giuliani's campaign security adviser, corrections chief, police commissioner and eventual partner in Giuliani-Kerik, a security arm of Giuliani Partners, which Giuliani established after leaving office in 2001. Guiliani had this to say recently about Obama: "Giuliani insisted that some of the president'''s '''closest advisors''' have advocated for the creation of '''death panels''' to determine the course of treatment for some elderly and infirm Americans. If they'''re concerned that they'''ve created this massive groundswell that is worried about death panels, the only ones they have to blame are themselves,''' Giuliani said of the Obama administration.[36]
After serving as city correction commissioner, Kerik was appointed to head the NYPD by Giuliani in 2000 until Michael Bloomberg became mayor in 2002. According to the superseding indictment unsealed Thursday, it was during the period from 1998 until 2006 that Kerik and others conspired to hide the fact an allegedly mob-linked company had paid for work on his Bronx apartment after he agreed to help the company get city business in the late 1990s.[37] The company wasn't named in the indictment, but has been identified in other state proceedings as Interstate Industrial Corp. Company officials have always denied they had any ties to the mob. The tax charges Kerik faces stem from his failure to report $255,000 worth of work done on the apartment renovations.[37]
In addition to serving time in prison, Kerik may also be fined. He has already agreed to pay nearly $188,000 in restitution and to resummit his personal tax returns for six years, paying past-due taxes and penalties.[46] Trouble often followed Kerik. As a young soldier in South Korea, he fathered a child out of wedlock. As NYPD commissioner, he was fined $2,500 for sending two police officers to Ohio to help research his bestselling 2001 memoir, "The Lost Son: A Life in Pursuit of Justice." When the book'''s publisher, Judith Regan, reported her cellphone stolen after a visit to a Fox Television studio, detectives reportedly showed up at the homes of Fox employees who had been on the set at the time. A Senate GOP aide speculated about Kerik'''s withdrawal: "It was probably a mounting list of potentially embarrassing issues, and they decided to cut their losses before it got worse.[27]
As we've reported before, Kerik has been represented for the past 18 months or so by Barry Berke, a white-collar defense partner at Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel. Kerik had previously retained Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker partner Kenneth Breen, but a federal judge disqualified Breen because he may have been called as a witness at Kerik's trial. (Breen's former firm, Fulbright & Jaworski, sued Kerik in 2007 over Kerik's failure to pay about $200,000 in legal bills.[17] As of yesterday, Kerik had not formally accepted the offer and could, in the end, decide to go forward with the first of three criminal trials starting next Monday in White Plains Federal Court.[19] Kerik will be sentenced on Feb. 18. He returned to the Westchester County jail after making his plea during a 90-minute hearing in White Plains Federal Court. His attorneys plan to request his release pending sentencing.[39]
"There is a lot about your life that will be taken into account." Wearing a dark suit with white shirt and red tie, Kerik entered the courtroom rubbing his hands together, his eyes straight ahead. During the hearing, Kerik stood to answer the judge's questions about his competency to enter the plea, admitting that he'd recently been under the care of a doctor. Facing the prospect of admitting to eight separate crimes, he sat down, placed his hands on the table and read from a prepared statement in a firm but quiet voice.[15]
Kerik admitted to eight counts as part of a plea agreement with federal prosecutors, who are recommending a 27- to 33-month prison term.[16] The plea bargain, which applies to an anticipated eight charges, includes the prosecution's suggestion that the sentence be between 27 to 33 months in prison. It was designed to resolve three pending federal criminal trials.[40] The plea agreement included the prosecution's suggestion that the crimes are punishable by 27 to 33 months in prison. It was designed to resolve three pending federal criminal trials.[13]
The former NYPD commissioner's federal corruption trial was postponed today, with no new date set for jury selection. [40] Kerik has been facing enormous new legal bills totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars, according to a source familiar with the trial. Kerik is on his third defense lawyer.[20] Kerik, 54, remains held without bail in the Westchester County Jail, but his lawyer, Michael Bachner, said he would make a new bail application within the next several days. Robinson said he would entertain such a motion.[23] His behavior also sparked questions of his mental state. Earlier this week, the same judge, Stephen Robinson, ruled Kerik was sane, posing no risk to himself or other people. He said that authorities at the Westchester County jail had discharged Kerik Monday from a special unit where the former top cop had agreed to be admitted"voluntarily."[20] Formal sentencing is set for February 8, 2010. Judge Stephen Robinson, at the hearing, called Kerik "not a one-dimensional character" and said he would take his achievements into consideration at sentencing.[1]
Sentencing was set for Feb. 18. Mr. Bachner said he would ask that Mr. Kerik be freed on bail prior to that, and the judge said he would be receptive to such a request. "I think you had a very full life," Judge Robinson told Mr. Kerik, saying he would take the good with the bad as he mulled sentencing.[36] Kerik wiped away tears as the judge spoke. "I think this is a very sad day," Robinson said.[1] 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.[3]
Kerik is displaying worrisome, risky behavior in jail, a federal judge said Friday Oct. 30, 2009 after speaking with the jail's psychiatric director.[25]
Mr. Kerik was also in charge of NYCs corrections dept. at one time. Lucky for him these are federal charges and he won't have to go to Rikers.[36] Mr. Kerik, who was jailed in October, had been planning to fight the charges in court.[36] Kerik made an unsuccessful appeal for clemency to Bush in late 2008, according to court papers released in October. CNN's Mary Snow and Julian Cummings contributed to this report.[16]
At the time, Bush had picked Kerik to run the department established in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.[12] The former police chief was hailed as a national hero following the 9/11 terror attacks and was nominated for the post of the head of the Department of Homeland Security under the Bush administration. He had to withdrew his name from consideration after accusations arose of extramarital affairs and failure to pay tax.[2]
The company -- which is suspected of having mob ties -- installed marble bathrooms, a jacuzzi and a new kitchen in the former police chief's apartment in the upscale New York suburb of Riverdale.[9] New York City police say a scalper arrested for selling fake World Series tickets outside Yankee Stadium tried to bribe a cop.[45]
The new charge of conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction was filed today in New York.[40]
New political fun for 2010! Guliani VS. Cuomo for Gov. Much as dislike Bernard Kerik, i am alarmed by these ever-expanding prosecutions for "lying-to-the-Feds," especially in connection with being vetted for government employment. America Beware: These prosecutions are a wellspring of tyranny and vindictiveness. [36] "There is much good in that full life, I believe." The case against Mr. Kerik centered on claims that a construction company suspected of having ties to organized crime paid for much of the renovation work at Mr. Kerik'''s home in Riverdale, in the Bronx, in the hope that he would help the company obtain a city license.[36] Kerik, then the city's corrections commissioner, vouched for the contractor, prosecutors say.[19]
"The man who was police commissioner as recently as eight years ago appears to be headed to federal prison." [37] The lies to the White House occurred during that vetting process. "Guilty," he said eight times in a firm voice as he appeared in the suburban courtroom.[11]
The third trial was to focus on allegations that Kerik committed various tax crimes, the AP reports. [17] A federal grand jury had indicted Kerik on 16 counts including conspiracy, mail fraud, wire fraud and lying to the IRS. Authorities say that over a six-year period, from 1999 through 2004, Kerik failed to report more than $500,000 in income.[12] A letter from Dr. Robert Mahler released yesterday said Kerik was placed there "for observational purposes and psychiatric assessment in the context of psychosocial stressors." Kerik was discharged from the unit after doctors determined he "poses no risk to himself or others due to any psychiatric illness." Kerik is charged with getting a mob-linked contractor to pay for $255,000 in renovations to his apartment.[19]
Under the proposed deal, the cases would be consolidated and Kerik would face a possible sentence of 27 to 33 months, a source familiar with the ongoing talks said. [19]
SOURCES
1. Ex-head of NY police pleads guilty to corruption | U.S. | Reuters
2. New York police chief to land in jail
3. The Associated Press: Former NYC Police Commissioner Kerik pleads guilty
4. CBC News - World - Former NYC police boss guilty of lying to White House
5. Courthouse News Service
6. Former NYC Police Commissioner Kerik Pleads Guilty : NPR
7. Bernard Kerik Pleads Guility - ABC News
8. Bernie Kerik Pleads Guilty | NBC New York
9. AFP: NY 9/11 police chief admits corruption
10. Ex-NYC top cop Kerik pleads guilty to lying, tax evasion -
11. The Associated Press: Former NYC Police Commissioner Kerik pleads guilty
12. Bernard Kerik Guilty Plea
13. Bernard Kerik Pleads Guilty To Federal Charges - The Two-Way - Breaking News, Analysis Blog : NPR
14. BBC NEWS | Americas | Ex-NY police chief Kerik guilty
15. Bernard Kerik pleads guilty to lying about payoff: He's first NYPD commish to admit to crime
16. Former NYPD commissioner Kerik pleads guilty to lying to White House - CNN.com
17. Bernard Kerik Throws in the Towel
18. The Associated Press: AP source: Ex-NYC top cop Kerik plans guilty plea
19. Three for the price of one: Kerik offered deal of less than 36 months jail for impending cases
20. Kerik Expected to Plead Guilty | NBC New York
21. In Short - The Irish Times - Fri, Nov 06, 2009
22. It's bonfire night of the vanities for Kerik : RICHMARK SENTINEL
23. Ex-NYPD commish Kerik pleads guilty to fraud, lying | LoHud.com | The Journal News
24. The Associated Press: Ex-NYC police commissioner Kerik pleads guilty
25. The Associated Press: AP source: Ex-NYC top cop Kerik plans guilty plea
26. Ex-NYC Police Chief Kerik Pleads Guilty To Lying To White House
27. Bernard Kerik, onetime Homeland Security pick, pleads guilty to influence-peddling | Top of the Ticket | Los Angeles Times
28. Kerik Pleads Guilty - New York News - Runnin' Scared
29. Bernard Kerik - Salon.com
30. Former NYPD Commissioner Bernard Kerik Pleads Guilty: Gothamist: New York City News, Food, Arts & Events
31. NYC police chief faces three years in jail - Telegraph
32. Kerik Expected to Plead Guilty
33. Kerik Could Accept Plea, Sources Say - ABC News
34. Bernard Kerik pleads guilty in influence-peddling case -- latimes.com
35. Former NYC Police Chief Bernard Kerik Pleads Guilty to Lying
36. Kerik Pleads Guilty in Corruption Case - City Room Blog - NYTimes.com
37. Kerik pleads guilty to federal charges
38. Investors.com - Ex-NYC Police Commissioner
39. The Daily Politics - NY Daily News
40. Kerik Pleads Guilty in Corruption Case - Crime & Courts News Summaries | Newser
41. Report: Bernard Kerik Close to Plea Deal - WPIX
42. The Associated Press: Ex-NYPD commissioner freed from NY jail psych unit
43. The Associated Press: Ex-NYPD top cop discharged from jail psych unit
44. The Associated Press: AP source: Ex-NYC top cop Kerik plans guilty plea
45. New York Post
46. Former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik Pleads Guilty To Corruption Charges, Lying To Federal Officials - WPIX
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