Grand jury may vote to indict Kerik

NEW YORK — A federal investigation of Bernard Kerik, the former New York City police commissioner and protege of presidential hopeful Rudolph W. Giuliani, appears to be drawing to a close with a possible indictment.

A grand jury that has been hearing evidence for several months was expected to vote today on whether to indict Kerik, a federal official said Wednesday. If indicted on tax evasion and other charges, he would surrender Friday for arraignment, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the grand jury had not acted.

The investigation stemmed from a $240,000 renovation of Kerik's apartment in 1999. Authorities alleged that most of the work was paid for by mob-connected builders who sought his help winning city contracts -- a charge he denied until a misdemeanor guilty plea in state court last year.

Before the scandal broke, Giuliani endorsed Kerik's nomination in 2004 to head the Department of Homeland Security. Kerik soon announced he was withdrawing as President Bush's nominee because of tax issues involving a former nanny.