Kerik Is Sane, Judge Rules
Kerik is facing trial on corruption and tax fraud charges
By ALICE MCQUILLAN
Updated 8:02 AM EST, Tue, Nov 3, 2009
Bernard Kerik is sane.
That was the conclusion Monday of a federal judge about the former police commissioner following his treatment at a mental health jail unit.
"He poses no risk of harm to himself or to others due to any psychiatric illness," Judge Stephen Robinson said.
He said that authorities at the Westchester County jail had discharged Kerik Monday from a special unit. The judge said Kerik had agreed to be admitted there "voluntarily."
"There were no significant findings that would necessitate Mr. Kerik's ongoing admission to the forensic unit," Judge Robinson said.
He wanted clarification of Kerik's mental state after learning last week of concerns raised by the facility's medical psychiatric director.
"Mr. Kerik was admitted to the inpatient Forensic Unit on October 22, 2009 for observational purposes and psychiatric assessment in the context of psychosocial stressors," according to a letter from Dr. Robert Mahler.
The judge said last week that Kerik had exhibited "symptoms" in jail after being held in isolation from other inmates because he had been the NYPD head as well as New York City corrections commissioner.
In court Monday Kerik, dressed in a pin stripped suit, was wearing a tie, which had been noticeably absent last week.
Kerik is facing trial on corruption and tax fraud charges for allegedly accepting gifts from a construction firm. He has pleaded not guilty.
Kerik has been behind bars since October 20th. Judge Robinson had revoked Kerik's $500,000 bail after finding he allegedly leaked confidential case information in an attempt to taint the jury pool.
First Published: Nov 2, 2009 5:02 PM EST
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