Kerik rejects prosecutors’ plea deal

Former New York City police commissioner Bernard Kerik has rejected a plea deal offered by federal prosecutors pursuing multiple charges against him, most related to his failed bid to become Homeland Security secretary, the Associated Press has learned.

Any indictments against Kerik could prove embarrassing to presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani, the former New York mayor who appointed Kerik police commissioner and recommended Kerik for the Homeland Security post.

A person close to the federal investigation said prosecutors could indict Kerik on multiple felony counts, including tax evasion, conspiracy to eavesdrop and providing false information. Indictments are not believed to be imminent, according to the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is continuing.

The individual familiar with the probe said Giuliani is not believed to be under investigation, and he and his consulting business, which once employed Kerik, have been cooperating.

Kerik’s lawyer confirmed Saturday that he had turned down a plea bargain offer that included prison time because he “did nothing wrong.”

“He paid his taxes. He is not going to plead to something he did not do,” Kenneth Breen told the Associated Press.

Representatives of the U.S. attorney’s office in New York, which is conducting the investigation, did not immediately respond to requests for comment Saturday.