Former NYPD Commissioner Bernard Kerik returns home. (David McGlynn)
Disgraced former NYPD Commissioner Bernard Kerik walked free from a federal lockup in Maryland and went home to New Jersey today, ending a three-year prison stint for corruption.
Kerik, otherwise known as federal prisoner No. 84888-054, was released from the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) in Cumberland, and strolled into his Franklin Lakes, NJ, home at about 1:40 p.m.
His wife Hala and two daughters greeted and hugged him outside. Kerik, wearing blue jeans a striped gray sweatshirt, waved at reporters and photographers gathered across the street.
Later today, the whole family and more than a dozen pals will celebrate with a feast provided by Brownstone caterers, owned by the Manzo family of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey.”
“He’s looking forward to getting home and seeing his family and his house,” said a friend.
Kerik, once eyed for the post of national homeland-security chief, was freed a year earlier than his four-year sentence called for, but will be confined to his home until October.
Kerik has told friends he’s looking forward to having a good meal on the outside. Brownstone’s repast will include shrimp scampi, fresh mozzarella and brownies.
Kerik went to the slammer for a scandal that forever tarnished that once-respected lawman’s reputation.
He pleaded guilty to tax fraud and making false statements in connection with $250,000 in free renovations to his Bronx apartment.
A phone call into Kerik’s home this afternoon was picked up by a woman, who said the family would not make any comment today.
Additional reporting by David K. Li and Andy Soltis