By Frank James

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.

Bernard Kerik.

Bernard Kerik pleads guilty, avoids trials.(Manuel Balce Ceneta / AP Photo)

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.

According to the Associated Press:

"Guilty," he said eight times in a firm voice as he appeared in the suburban courtroom.
U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara issued a statement calling Thursday"a sad day," but added, "No one is above the law."
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. 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.

categories: Crime

1:13 - November 5, 2009

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