Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Kerik: "Toxic Combination Of Self-minded Focus, Arrogance"
By
Jen Chung
Published Oct 21, 2009
Modified Oct 21, 2009
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Chung
Published Oct 21, 2009
Modified Oct 21, 2009
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Former NYC police commissioner Bernard Kerik spent the night in jail, after a judge in his federal corruption trial revoked his bail. Federal District Judge Stephen C. Robinson was unsparing in his criticism of Kerik's behavior, calling him a "toxic combination of self-minded focus and arrogance... And I fear that combination leads him to believe his ends justify his means. He sees the court’s rulings as an inconvenience, something to be ignored, and an obstacle to be circumvented."
Robinson was pissed off because Kerik allegedly leaked sealed information from his trial to another lawyer, Anthony Modafferi. While Modafferi is giving him legal advice, he's not officially part of Kerik's legal team and, therefore, isn't privy to sealed information. Modafferi apparently sent some of the sealed information to the Washington Times, which ultimately didn't publish it.
Prosecutors even complained that Kerik was using his Twitter account to "refer supporters" to a site associated with his defense fund. The Daily News has a timeline of Kerik's rise to power and fall from grace. Kerik's lawyers plan to appeal.
Tagged
bail
Bernard Kerik
corruption
mugshot
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
Suspects were driving a Subaru Forester, police said.
By
Ryan Kost
Published Oct 17, 2026 at 11:36 a.m. ET
Being reigning champions is weird for Knicks fans, but we could get used to this.
Seeing high hopes dashed had become so routine, it was part of our identity. This year feels different.
By
Catalina Gonella
News
Being reigning champions is weird for Knicks fans, but we could get used to this.
Seeing high hopes dashed had become so routine, it was part of our identity. This year feels different.
By
Catalina Gonella
Tompkins Square Park is getting a makeover. Some say it's too much.
By
Willow Higgins
Deer are all over New Jersey roads looking for sex, state officials warn
By
Rosemary Misdary
Man messaged 'I got straight poison' before giving NYC college students fentanyl, feds say
By
Samantha Max
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .