Kerik Indicted, Pleads Not Guilty

Ex-NYC police chief faces 142 years on fraud, conspiracy charges
By Jonas Oransky,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 9, 2007 1:05 PM CST
Kerik Indicted, Pleads Not Guilty
In a file photo former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik, left, speaks in the Roosevelt Room at the White House, Friday, Dec. 3, 2004 after President Bush announced Kerik as his choice to replace Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge. A federal grand jury has indicted Bernard Kerik,...   (Associated Press)

Bernard Kerik was indicted today on 16 federal counts, including conspiracy, fraud, and lying to investigtors, and he faces up to $4.7 million in fines and 142 years behind bars. The ex-New York City police commissioner pleaded guilty and later described himself as "disappointed that the government has brought forward this case," CNN reports.

Kerik was released on $500,000 bail. The indictment spells trouble for Rudy Giuliani, who has defended his onetime protégé's performance while allowing he erred in promoting Kerik's nomination as homeland security secretary, the Daily News reports. "I made a mistake in not clearing him effectively enough," Giuliani said yesterday in Iowa. (More Rudy Giuliani stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X