NEW YORK, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- Former New York Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik took money or "things of value" from two reportedly mob-linked contractors, New Jersey officials charged.
Kerik was nominated last year to head the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, but withdrew amid questions about his business dealings and personal life.
The complaint brought Tuesday by New Jersey authorities before the state's Casino Control Commission does not accuse Kerik of wrongdoing, Newsday reported. It does, however, accuse him of receiving money or "things of value" from longtime associates Frank and Peter DiTommaso in efforts to influence his decisions as a public official.
The New Jersey complaint alleges that the brothers and their companies are linked to organized crime and asks that their casino-work licenses be revoked.
However, Kerik's lawyer, Joseph Tacopina, said most of the information in the complaint came from a convicted felon.
"There is no proof Kerik knew about any of these things and is unaware of any free gifts," Tacopina said in a statement.
