Jury Finds Former City Councilman and County Commissioner Guilty of Taking Bribes

TAMPA, FL—United States Attorney Robert E. O’Neill announces that a federal jury today found Kevin L. White (46, Riverview) guilty of conspiracy, bribery, wire fraud and lying to the FBI. White faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison for the conspiracy charge (Count 1), 10 years in federal prison on each of the bribery charges (Counts 4 and 5), 20 years on the conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud charge (Count 6), 20 years in federal prison for each honest services wire fraud charge (Counts 8 and 9) and five years for lying to the FBI (Count 10).

A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for February 27, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. before United States District Judge James D. Whittemore. White and co-defendant George Hondrellis (46, Tampa) were indicted on June 14, 2011. On September 16, 2011, Hondrellis was remanded for a competency evaluation. He will be tried separately at a later date.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, while serving as a Hillsborough County Commissioner and chairman of the Hillsborough Public Transportation Commission, White accepted bribe money in exchange for using his influence in assisting towing companies in becoming selected for the county’s approved rotational towing list. “We have an expectation for our public officials to act on behalf of all the people, and not just those who can pay,” said U.S. Attorney Robert O’Neill. “Public corruption has an effect on our entire system of government,” he said.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by United States Attorney Robert E. O’Neill.