Former NYC Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik Sentenced to Four Years in Prison

The federal judge said the damage caused by the former police chief was "immeasurable."

Judge Stephen Robinson went above the recommended sentencing range of 27 to 33 months, as he felt that Kerik's abuse of office was part of a 10-year pattern of corruption and obstruction of justice that continued right into the courtroom.

"The guidelines don't take fully into account the operatic proportions of this case," said Robinson.

"I'd like to apologize to the American people," Kerik said in a brief statement outside the courtroom after being sentenced.

"It is a very sad day when the former commissioner of the greatest police department in the world is sentenced to prison for base criminal conduct," U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said in a statement.

"Today's sentencing of Bernard Kerik is one of the most powerful recent reminders that no one in this country is above the law."

Kerik will remain out on bail, under house arrest and wearing an electronic ankle monitor, until he begins his term on May 17.