Ex-NYC police commissioner Kerik indicted

WASHINGTON, May 27 (UPI) -- A former New York police commissioner was indicted for allegedly making false statements when being vetted in 2004 to lead the Homeland Security Department.

A Washington grand jury Tuesday handed up the indictment against Bernard Kerik, claiming he gave false and misleading answers to George W. Bush administration officials about his relationship with contractors who renovated his apartment, CNN reported. Kerik was New York police commissioner from 1998 to 2002.

Prosecutors allege Kerik received and hid benefits of about $255,000 in renovations to his New York home from contractors seeking to do business with the city.

In December, Kerik pleaded not guilty to another indictment in New York alleging similar charges. Those charges were dismissed because the incident allegedly happened in Washington, CNN said.

Kerik's attorney, Barry Berke, said the Washington indictment was "the latest example of the Department of Justice's overzealous pursuit of high-profile public figures."

Bush nominated Kerik for the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security position in 2004, but Kerik withdrew from consideration after allegations surfaced that he hired a nanny with questionable immigration status.