Kerik Friends Intensify Defense Fundraising Effort

Kerik’s supporters swiftly responded to media accounts of his expected indictment, issuing a fundraising letter within hours after the first accounts: "The Bernard Kerik Legal Defense Trust has been established to allow Mr. Kerik’s friends and supporters to assist him in defending himself against possible charges that may be brought against him by the United States Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York.  In June 2006, Mr. Kerik settled an investigation by the Bronx District Attorney’s Office. He accepted responsibility by pleading guilty to two New York City ethics violations (unclassified misdemeanors) and paid a substantial financial penalty. Shortly after he settled the Bronx case, the U.S. Attorney’s Office began a new investigation. The Assistant U.S. Attorneys assigned to the investigation are now considering charges against Mr. Kerik, based in large part on conduct that was already addressed and resolved in the Bronx case. As a result of these two investigations and news and media reports, Mr. Kerik has been the focus of more than two years of intense publicity that has negatively impacted his business and personal life. Throughout his career, he has earned more than 100 awards for meritorious, heroic and distinguished service, including commendations from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, President Ronald Reagan for heroism, and many others. He earned international recognition for turning the New York City Jail System into an international role model and as the New York City Police Commissioner; his tenure was marked with historic reductions in crime and innovative management. The world witnessed his stoic leadership during and after the attacks on the World Trade Center on 9/11 and today, he is an outspoken voice against global terror and enemies against the United States. Now, his 33-year career of putting his life on the line for New York City and this country is overshadowed by this investigation and allegations that must be put to rest. Having incurred legal fees in the course of the Bronx and federal investigation and paid a substantial financial penalty when he settled the Bronx case, and having had his business impacted by the intense publicity, he is not in a position to fund a proper defense to this federal case. Therefore, we have established the Trust, so that his friends and supporters may contribute funds to assist in his legal defense to prove his innocence and allow him and his family to move on with their lives." -Mr. Paul D’Emilia, The Bernard Kerik Legal Defense Trust