NEW YORK -- Former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik, who rose to the national stage after President Bush nominated him in 2004 to lead the Department of Homeland Security, was sentenced to four years in prison on Thursday after pleading guilty to eight felony charges including tax fraud and lying to the White House.
Mr. Kerik, who spoke briefly after entering the court, said he's taking full responsibility for his acts and considered he should be punished.
“I take full responsibility for the grave mistakes I’ve made,” he said. “Believe me when I say I have learned from this and I have become and will continue to become a better person.”
Just before his sentence was read, Mr. Kerik asked the judge to consider his family as he decided on the sentence.
“Allow me to return to my family as soon as possible, Kerik said.”
Mr. Kerik will begin serving his sentence on May 17, 2010.
