Bernard Kerik Indicted, Giuliani Refuses to Rule Out Pardon

In what hopefully will prove to be an ongoing embarrassment for the presidential aspirations of former New York City mayor Rudolph Giuliani, his longtime associate and former police commissioner Bernard Kerik surrenders to face federal corruption and tax evasion charges. Details at WaPo:

The charges in the indictment include mail and wire fraud, tax fraud, making false statements on a bank application, making false statements for a U.S. government position and theft of honest services, according to the person close to the investigation. The theft charge essentially accuses a government employee of abusing his position and defrauding the public.

Kerik was Giuliani's handpicked nominee to the Bush Administration for homeland security secretary. Kerik, who never graduated college and rose to fame as Giulani's bodyguard and chauffeur, was forced to withdrawal his name because of tax issues involving a former nanny. There have been numerous ethical lapses in his public career, and, earlier this week, the New York Times details Kerik's many professional and financial associates that are connected to organized crime.

Giuliani has testified once before in a separate Kerik grand jury, and, possibly and quite hopefully, will be dragged off the campaign trail to testify once again at Kerik's expected trial.

"Rudy Giuliani refused to say if he'd consider pardoning his old friend Bernie Kerik...if elected President. 'It wouldn't be fair to ask that question at this point,' the Republican presidential hopeful'" told the Daily News just hours before Kerik was indicted.

Some Background ...
Pat Robertson Endorses Rudy Giuliani [R20]
James Dobson: Just Say "No" to Giuliani [R20]
Giuliani to Speak at Anti-Gay "Values Voters" Summit [R20]
Giuliani Hires Producer of Race-Baiting, "Bimbo" Ad [R20]
Giuliani Aide Arrested for Extortion [R20]
Rudy's "Testosterone Factor" [R20]
Matthews on Giuliani: The Country "Wants Fascism" [R20]
Giuliani Flip Flops on Civil Unions [R20]
News: Rudy and McCain Court Anti-Gays [R20]
Giuliani: Pro-Gay Views "Not the Issue" [R20]
News: Giuliani's Not-So-Secret Plan [R20]
Clinton Leading Giuliani on National Security [R20]
Giuliani: Sorry, Only Millionaires Host My Rallies [R20]
Clinton Leading Giuliani on National Security Issues [R20]
Republican Candidates Skip Black Voters Debate [R20]

Comments

[Christian]

Why would he refuse?! You can bet that Kerik has something on Giuliani...so Giuliani will very carefully distance himself RIGHT NOW because of his campaign. Afterwards, it will be a different story. Damage control will go into overdrive.
One thing is clear, you can bet that Kerik will not do any jail time.