By Robbyn Mitchell, Times Staff Writer
Friday, January 6, 2012
TAMPA — Sentencing is one step closer for former Hillsborough Commissioner Kevin White after his motion for a new trial was denied Friday.
He was convicted in November on corruption charges for accepting bribes from an undercover FBI agent who sought help obtaining a towing license from the Hillsborough Public Transportation Commission.
White's attorney, Grady Irvin Jr., argued that because the PTC didn't receive federal funding and operates independently of the county, White shouldn't have been tried in federal court.
Federal Judge James D. Whittemore called the argument "misguided." He denied Irvin's motion for a post-trial acquittal or a new trial, noting that "the County's interest in the PTC certification process provides the requisite nexus to the federal funds received by the County."
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Feb. 27.