December 3, 2004:

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. I’m proud to announce my nomination
of Commissioner Bernard Kerik as the Secretary of Homeland Security.

Bernie Kerik is one of the most accomplished and effective leaders
of law enforcement in America. In his career, he has served as an
enlisted military police officer in Korea, a jail warden in New Jersey,
a beat cop in Manhattan, New York City corrections commissioner, and as
New York’s 40th police commissioner — an office once held by Teddy
Roosevelt. In every position, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to
justice, a heart for the innocent, and a record of great success.

I’m grateful he’s agreed to bring his lifetime of security
experience and skill to one of the most important positions in the
federal government. Bernie is a dedicated, innovative reformer who
insists on getting results. As the head of New York City jails, he cut
inmate violence by more than 90 percent. As Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s
police commissioner, he had great success in reducing crime in New York
City. His broad, practical, hands-on experience makes Bernie superbly
qualified to lead the Department of Homeland Security.

Today:

A federal grand jury has voted to indict former New York City Police
Commissioner Bernard Kerik on charges stemming from the acceptance of
free rent and apartment renovations, tax evasion and lying on his
application for the job as head of the Department of Homeland Security,
two federal sources and a source involved in the defense told ABC News.