Few public officials have fallen as low as fast as Bernard Kerik. Instead of leading Homeland Security, Kerik will spend the next few years in prison.

Who is Bernard Kerik?

Kerik began his career as a police detective. His career was on the rise when former New York City mayor, Rudolph Giuliani chose him as his bodyguard and chauffeur during his first mayoral campaign. The two men became close friends throughout Giuliani's political career.

Several years later, Giuliani appointed Kerik to a senior position in the Correction Department. And, in 2000, Kerik was promoted to New York City's police commissioner even though he didn’t have a college degree, which is typically required for the job. Kerik even had a prison named after him in downtown Manhattan (the name has been removed).

Kerik’s career peaked after the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center, where he led the Police Department during those difficult times. After meeting President George W. Bush at the ruins of the World Trade Center, the president was so impressed that in 2004, he recommended Kerik as Secretary of Homeland Security.

Kerik’s Downfall

After stories began circulating about unpaid taxes for his family's nanny, Kerik withdrew his name from consideration. Then even more serious allegations began to surface, starting Kerik's downfall.

Pleading Guilty

In November 2009, Bernard Kerik plead guilty to eight charges including tax fraud and lying to White House officials. Among those charges is influence peddling, which involves illegally using his influence in government or authority to get favors for another person, usually in return for payment.

These charges arose because he accepted $250,000 in renovations to his Bronx apartment. The renovations were done by a company accused of having ties to organized crime. He also admitted lying to White House officials when he denied doing anything wrong during a Department of Homeland Security interview. In an even bigger embarrassment, he used an apartment intended for workers at Ground Zero for an extramarital affair.

The Plea Agreement

In his plea agreement, he plead 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 federal government while being considered for senior posts

In exchange, corruption charges against him will be dropped.

Angering the Judge

During the long pretrial hearing process, not only did his reputation worsen, but even Federal Judge Stephen Robinson was not pleased. Kerik publicized confidential court documents, even though the judge warned him not to. He was even accused of trying to influence potential jurors.

As a result, the judge revoked his bail. He explained that Kerik "sees the court's rulings as an inconvenience, something to be ignored, and an obstacle to be circumvented." Robinson added, "I fear he has a toxic combination: self-minded focus and arrogance."[1]

On Oct. 20, 2009, Kerik was sentenced to the Westchester County Jail in Valhalla, NY, for leaking sealed information. Kerik’s lawyers now request that Judge Robinson reinstate the bail and release Kerik until sentencing.

What’s Next?

Kerik, 54, has been released on bail and is confined to his Franklin Lakes, N.J. home until the February 18 sentencing. He faces up to 33 months in jail.

Questions For Your Attorney

  • If I am mayor of my town, can I ask another person in authority to do me a favor?
  • How can I get a plea agreement so that my sentence may be lowered?