Metro

Prison deal burns Kerik

Disgraced former NYPD Commissioner Bernie Kerik is expected to cop to federal-corruption charges tomorrow — and serve more than double the time he would have faced if he’d done the same thing two years ago.

The plea will cover all charges he faces in three cases — two in New York and one in Washington — and keep him behind bars for 27 to 33 months.

Hailed as a national hero after 9/11, Kerik, 54, met with his wife, Hala Matli, at the Westchester County jail yesterday as he finalized his decision just before his first trial was about to start.

Had he not brusquely blown off a similar plea offer in 2007, he’d have served just one year and been a free man today. He’d also have saved $2 million in legal fees.

Kerik was set to face trial on Monday for allegedly accepting free apartment renovations as correction commissioner in exchange for recommending a construction company for city contracts.

In the second case, he’s charged with hiding income from the IRS, including $300,000 in book royalties.

The third case, which was to have been tried in Washington, involved charges of lying to the feds while being considered to head the Homeland Security Department.

Had he been convicted at all three trials, he risked facing 20 years in prison.

kati.cornell@nypost.com