N-i-c-e find-———wonder what Rooty’s cut of that deal was.
FEDS' DOUBLE-TAKE (Kerik)
NY Post ^ | December 20, 2004 | CHRISTOPHER BYRON
Posted on 12/20/2004 12:57:47 PM PST by calcowgirlDecember 20, 2004 -- IT is entirely possible that there is an inno cent explanation for everything Bernard Kerik has said and done in recent days, and for the information about his past life that has surfaced as a result.
But Kerik has not yet provided it and more information dribbles out daily to fan the flames that are devouring his reputation. In a minute we'll turn to the newest revelation — that Kerik may not have fully informed federal investigators about the nature and duration of his involvement with a Long Island penny stock company called Dataworld Solutions Inc.
But first some perspective on what this entire matter is really all about: the ex-commissioner's solidifying public image as a man tied far too closely to the world of oraganized crime. Kerik's choice of a lawyer to represent him before the public has certainly not helped. The attorney in question, Joseph Tacopina, is by all accounts a skilled and able lawyer, and he has several high profile-acquittals to point to in that regard, including one of the defendants in the Abner Louima case. But when it comes to public relations advocacy, Tacopina is proving to be a real liability for Kerik.
That is because Tacopina's own past includes membership on the criminal defense team that defended Gambino crime family boss John Gotti. Most recently, he has been lead lawyer at the trial of a bag man for John Gotti's brother, Peter. As a result, every time Tacopina steps up to defend Kerik, he cannot help but remind one of what this is really all about.
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