Former NYPD Commissioner Bernard Kerik, Bush 43 cabinet nominee and once-heralded hero of September 11, was to turn himself in to federal authorities Monday to begin serving a four year prison sentence in Maryland. He isn’t going quietly.

In a statement posted on his company’s website which has since been taken down, Kerik ripped into prosecutors, and Judge Stephen Robinson whose sentence far exceeded the 33-months prescribed by federal guidelines.

Kerik writes “I have repeatedly expressed remorse for what I may have done. However, unlike many, I can’t remain silent in the face of what I believe has been a gross injustice, which I pray will be remedied by an appellate court.”

Kerik pleaded guilty to eight felonies, including lying to the White House, and not telling the truth about more than a $250,000 worth of renovation work done by a mob-linked company.

During the February sentencing, Judge Robinson told Kerik his betrayal of the public trust “causes a hole in our collective psyche,” but if Kerik’s comments following his sentencing are any indication, he’s hoping that same record of public service will help salvage his own legacy.

“As history is written, I can only hope that I will be judged for the 30-years of service I’ve given to the country and to the City of New York.”

(Source: WCBSTV)