Kevin White pleads not guilty to corruption charges, gets free lawyer
By William R. Levesque, Times Staff Writer
Posted: Jun 30, 2011 06:19 AM
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Former Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin White enters the federal courthouse Thursday morning for his arraignment on corruption charges with his lawyer Grady Irvin Jr., left.
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TAMPA — Former Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin White pleaded not guilty to federal corruption charges Thursday and told a judge he can't afford to pay for his own attorney.
So U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas Wilson named private defense attorney Grady Irvin to defend him at taxpayer expense.
White, 46, was indicted earlier this month on 10 felony charges, including bribery, conspiracy, wire fraud, mail fraud and lying to an FBI agent. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of five to 20 years in prison.
An arraignment for co-defendant George Hondrellis, owner of Tampa City Towing, was postponed another week because he had not yet retained counsel.
The judge set a trial date in August, though that will likely be postponed. White, dressed in a dark pinstriped suit, told a reporter as he left the courtroom, "I have no comment at all."
Irvin said, "We've got a lot of work to do."
The arraignment took all of 10 minutes as Irvin told the judge that White had spent much of Wednesday trying to find a lawyer he could afford. Irvin presented a list of attorneys White had approached and the fees they quoted to take the case.
The judge sealed the record before appointing Irvin.
Judge Wilson asked White directly if he could afford an attorney. White responded: "No, sir, your honor. I cannot."
Had he contacted each of the attorneys on the list presented to the court?
"Yes," White said. "I contacted each one."
Hondrellis faces the same charges as White, a former Tampa police officer and former Tampa City Council member, although only White is charged with lying to the FBI. Both men are free on bail.
U.S. Attorney Robert O'Neill's office says White and his now-deceased father Gerald White accepted $8,000 in bribes and a 2003 Lincoln Navigator last year from three men who sought the favor of the Public Transportation Commission, which White chaired.
The men wanted a permit from the PTC to be put on a lucrative list of towing companies doing work for Tampa police and the Hillsborough Sheriff's Office.
Unknown to White, two of the men worked for the federal government, one as a federal agent and the second as an informant. Hondrellis, federal authorities say, was the third.
White served four years on the County Commission before losing a reelection bid in November, and three years on the City Council before that.
O'Neill said Thursday he will personally try the case.
William R. Levesque can be reached at levesque@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3432.
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Viewing 1 - 27 of 27 comments Oldest First Newest First Top Rated
Realist 0ne Jun 30, 2011 7:38 AM About 7 hours ago A CORRUPT LIBERAL OFFICEHOLDER? SAY IT ISN'T SO.
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Report Abuse 9 8 BobbyOFromDABronx Jun 30, 2011 9:42 AM About 5 hours ago White has NEVER been a Democrat. JUST a bloodsucker. And Artemus is still right. Reply
Report Abuse 3 7 Realist 0ne Jun 30, 2011 9:49 AM About 5 hours ago I UNDERSTAND HOW YOU COULD GET THAT IMPRESSION, GIVEN THAT SLANT DOESN'T ONCE MENTION HIS PARTY AFFILIATION IN THE ARTICLE, BUT OPEN UP YOUR EYES, BE A REALIST, AND START INFORMING YOURSELF. Reply
Report Abuse 6 3 heheheheh Jun 30, 2011 12:32 PM About 2 hours ago Until the SPT expose` I had no idea Democrap White was a ●●●●●●●.child but it's obvious he's a user-- out to get all he could during his career as crooked cop, crooked politician & convicted sexual harasser. He's really a disgrace, especially to his race. Reply
Report Abuse 3 3 heheheheh Jun 30, 2011 12:33 PM About 2 hours ago '.......' above = bas ●●●● child Reply
Report Abuse 1 1 heheheheh Jun 30, 2011 12:34 PM About 2 hours ago '....' above = ta rd Reply
Report Abuse 0 1 Kawliga Jun 30, 2011 12:58 PM About 2 hours ago Take a good look at him. That's what democrats look like. Reply
Report Abuse 4 0 BobbyOFromDABronx Jun 30, 2011 2:09 PM About 39 minutes ago don't worry he hehehe we get most of it: LOL Reply
Report Abuse 0 0 artemus216 Jun 30, 2011 9:12 AM About 5 hours ago right, as if the so-called "conservative" party is any less guilty. you people hanging on to party lines are half the problem in this country. and it doesn't matter which party you're blindly glued to, BOTH are guilty of screwing the citizens, just in different ways.
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Report Abuse 1 19 Retired99 Jun 30, 2011 11:39 AM About 3 hours ago How right you are !! A pox on both their houses. Reply
Report Abuse 0 7 heheheheh Jun 30, 2011 12:37 PM About 2 hours ago right artemus... just think Jim Norman & that corruption of GOP party money that CharLIE Crist, Jim Greer & Bill McCollum are accused of misusing - yet FDLE has refused to investigate, wish I knew why??? Reply
Report Abuse 1 1 BobbyOFromDABronx Jun 30, 2011 9:47 AM About 5 hours ago Mr. Levesque, you are one of the most responsive reporters the Times has. I wonder has anyone looked at the list of folks whom were handed any permits or licenses for these lucrative contracts on White's or Miranda's watch? (ambulance, tow, LIMO, etc..) and why they were awarded them? Or if there are any other problems. I seem to remember some ambulance permits badly awarded back when Miranda was on city council. Just wonder if the same problems still exists and is being overlooked. This current American ambulance bunch appears to be very shifty. I wouldn't want them coming to my house or even driving by.
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Report Abuse 1 3 andywinspear Jun 30, 2011 10:22 AM About 4 hours ago Oh I hope they burn this piece of crap. He is guilty of so much more than this I promise you
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Report Abuse 2 6 Devlin Jun 30, 2011 10:48 AM About 4 hours ago Kevin White is just misunderstood.
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Report Abuse 4 1 Censorshipsucks Jun 30, 2011 12:42 PM About 2 hours ago The only thing misunderstood about Mr. White is how much of a complete POS he is. Reply
Report Abuse 0 1 BobbyOFromDABronx Jun 30, 2011 2:42 PM About 6 minutes ago For instance, why is Kevin White the ONLY rooms to go executive security NOT in prison???? I bet Robert O'Neill knows. I think they get their suits in the same thrift store. Or met over a drug deal. Something like that. Reply
Report Abuse 0 1 LivininParadise Jun 30, 2011 12:51 PM About 2 hours ago There is nothing WHITE about Mr. White Reply
Report Abuse 0 1 BobbyOFromDABronx Jun 30, 2011 2:43 PM About 5 minutes ago PEOPLE: DEVLIN WAS JOKING. I hope. Reply
Report Abuse 0 1 nocheapshots Jun 30, 2011 11:29 AM About 3 hours ago Kevin, ease off the Little Debbie's dude. You can't even button your suit. (You can always tap your campaign money to pay the tailor to let out the jacket a bit).
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Report Abuse 1 6 DCM Jun 30, 2011 12:33 PM About 2 hours ago This is a Cheap Shot, nocheapshots. Reply
Report Abuse 2 1 heheheheh Jun 30, 2011 12:41 PM About 2 hours ago White has done it before, facts are facts, wasn't a cheap shot at all you White-sukking moron Reply
Report Abuse 1 3 JerryEmmonsIsDead Jun 30, 2011 1:02 PM About 1 hour ago This guy was a hog slurping at the public trough. That's why his suit doesn't fit. Reply
Report Abuse 0 2 Jada Jun 30, 2011 11:40 AM About 3 hours ago Of course he did. He will never admit to any thing because for some reason he feels he is above the law IMO.
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Report Abuse 0 5 andywinspear Jun 30, 2011 11:49 AM About 3 hours ago Free lawyer what a joke!!!!! Send his sorry ●●● to jail
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Report Abuse 0 10 Retired99 Jun 30, 2011 11:49 AM About 3 hours ago ....." So U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas Wilson named the private defense attorney White hired, Grady Irvin, to defend him at taxpayer expense. " .....
Wait a minute. If ole' Kev hired him, why is he on the taxpayer's dime, Judge ??
Give him a freshman public defender and stop wasting public funds on this s**mbag.
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Report Abuse 0 11 heheheheh Jun 30, 2011 12:44 PM About 2 hours ago White has lots of rental property to sell, equity available to pay atty fees - White must has some real dirt on this judge Reply
Report Abuse 1 2 MAGOOS Jun 30, 2011 11:51 AM About 3 hours ago This corrupt man pleads not guilty as to be expected. His party affiliations have nothing to do with his crimes; his failing as a human being has everything to do with it. Corruption exists everywhere, J Norman and his ilk. Neither of these miscreants can attribute their political opinions to their corruption; White and Norman et.al, use their political positions to feather their own nests and Norman still has a seat in the current legislature.
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Report Abuse 0 7 cdeesnuts Jun 30, 2011 11:51 AM About 3 hours ago Guilty. Next.
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Report Abuse 1 9 jjjhein Jun 30, 2011 11:51 AM About 3 hours ago Pinstripe suits are so popular with thiefs...especially the so-called "white collar" thiefs in government office....gross abusers of the public trust. They should serve life sentences for violating the trust of the suckers...I mean, the voters.
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Report Abuse 0 4 TragicAccident Jun 30, 2011 12:39 PM About 2 hours ago Life sentences at the tax payers expense, no. They should be summarily executed. In the Good Ol' Days it was called treason and it was a capitol offense. Reply
Report Abuse 0 3 BobbyOFromDABronx Jun 30, 2011 2:39 PM About 9 minutes ago Yeah. Just like where they come from: THE MOB. I bet O'Neill where a lot of pinstriped suits. Reply
Report Abuse 0 0 BobbyOFromDABronx Jun 30, 2011 2:40 PM About 8 minutes ago lol I bet Robert O'Neill WEARS a lot of pinstriped suits. Reply
Report Abuse 0 0 TragicAccident Jun 30, 2011 12:08 PM About 2 hours ago Check-out that Jive-Town Bama (White) in that cheap off-the-rack suit, that doesn't even fit his fat greedy azz.
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Report Abuse 1 4 fedup007 Jun 30, 2011 12:23 PM About 2 hours ago Have this FAT AZZ sell his home, his cars, his wife, etc. Why does the innocent tax payers have to pay for this greedy piece of garbage to represent himself?? GUILTY AS CHARGED!!!!
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Report Abuse 1 6 Censorshipsucks Jun 30, 2011 12:41 PM About 2 hours ago +1 to that. If it were anyone else they would have to put on a fire sale, how does this POS get away with it... continually? Reply
Report Abuse 0 1 heheheheh Jun 30, 2011 12:46 PM About 2 hours ago just tells you how corrupt Tampa politics is - Irvin sure makes a good living on the taxpayer dime Reply
Report Abuse 0 1 LivininParadise Jun 30, 2011 12:43 PM About 2 hours ago I agree with RETIRED99...why are we footing the bill for bro' "Grady Irvin". Give him a Freshman PD...or check with JOSE BAEZ, he should be cheap and available soon.
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Report Abuse 0 0 heheheheh Jun 30, 2011 1:17 PM About 1 hour ago tells you how corrupt the judge is Reply
Report Abuse 0 1 BobbyOFromDABronx Jun 30, 2011 2:37 PM About 11 minutes ago YES IT DOES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Reply
Report Abuse 0 1 bfisher Jun 30, 2011 12:53 PM About 2 hours ago the fact that this crook could get elected to the county board tells me the whole board is a joke. we need a better vetting process of our public leaders before they are given the keys to control our tax dollars. this guy made the whole board look slimy
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Report Abuse 0 1 cshepprun Jun 30, 2011 12:54 PM About 2 hours ago Excuse me????? I thought if you couldn't afford an attorney, you were assigned a public attorney. I didn't know all I had to say is that I caled every public attorney, but they were busy and then I could pick a private attorney and have the county pay for it. Good to know!
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Report Abuse 0 1 bfisher Jun 30, 2011 12:54 PM About 2 hours ago --------> If he can afford a suit and sunglasses, he can afford an attorney. not wanting to waste your money on an useless legal defense is not a valid reason to have a court appointed attorney.
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Report Abuse 0 1 Kawliga Jun 30, 2011 12:57 PM About 2 hours ago It's no surprise that he's a democrat. It's sad that he's colored.
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Report Abuse 2 1 bruce-a Jun 30, 2011 1:00 PM About 1 hour ago Who dressed him? A circus clown? Here we go again, paying his lawyers fees! BS!! Not guilty plea reminds me of the movie Blazzing Saddles with little geanny saying "Up yours Ni#@%r", my thoughts exactly. Send him past GO
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Report Abuse 1 2 nollie90 Jun 30, 2011 1:14 PM About 1 hour ago I consider myself 'conservative' in my worldview and actions but am proudly a Libertarian and not a Republican. I vote for whoever the best candidate is regardless what his or her party name is!
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Report Abuse 0 3 Realist 0ne Jun 30, 2011 2:05 PM About 43 minutes ago AREN'T YOU NOBLE. Reply
Report Abuse 1 0 nollie90 Jun 30, 2011 2:19 PM About 29 minutes ago Caps key broken? Reply
Report Abuse 0 1 Realist 0ne Jun 30, 2011 2:33 PM About 15 minutes ago WORKS JUST FINE, THANKS FOR ASKING. Reply
Report Abuse 2 0 LePetomane Jun 30, 2011 2:08 PM About 40 minutes ago Not guilty? He's into the Feds for several steak dinners.
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Report Abuse 0 1 BobbyOFromDABronx Jun 30, 2011 2:23 PM About 25 minutes ago Oh MY GOD they are just going to jack the freakin system. GIVE HIM A FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER. Come ON ... grady gotta do a lot of work. this is giong to be a dog and pony show about jacking the tax payers. END OF STORY. Robert, will you be taking questions from the audience during recesses?? http://truthinjusticefiles.blogspot.com/2011/06/robert-e-oneills-tricks-of-trade-one.html
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Report Abuse 0 BobbyOFromDABronx Jun 30, 2011 2:34 PM About 14 minutes ago http://truthinjusticefiles.blogspot.com/2011/06/united-states-attorney-robert-oneill-as.html
There's a bit of background here on the Kevin White story. What is it with Robert O'Neill and prominent black people?
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Report Abuse 0 1 truth_hurts Jun 30, 2011 2:35 PM About 13 minutes ago the only difference from mr white and all the other politicians is that he got caught with his hand in the cookie jar..they are all corrupt.. got another guy in the news right now for trying to sell obabas seat at his old job..that means obabas came out of that same corrupt office and probably paid for his seat when he got the job himself.. politician = crook!
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Report Abuse 0 1 BobbyOFromDABronx Jun 30, 2011 2:36 PM About 12 minutes ago He spent "most of Wednesday??" Didn't he know about his arraignment?? Come ON Judge Thomas, you are going to ruin your reputation with this can of nuts.
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Report Abuse 0 1 BobbyOFromDABronx Jun 30, 2011 2:45 PM About 3 minutes ago How many billable hours will it take for Grady to explain that it was Gerald White and NOT Kevin White??? Robert O'Neill: SHAME ON YOU.
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Report Abuse 0 1
BobbyOFromDABronx Jun 30, 2011 2:51 PM Less than a minute ago In L2and L3 when I'm not studying I will be spending my time scanning the paper for the biggest ●●●●●●● politician. I will befriend him and give him advice and then when another crook like robert o'neill finally 'busts' him I will go to the federal judge and make my first big nut off the taxpayers. Is that pretty much it in a nutshell, grady??
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
Robert O'Neill and his fantasy world ...
he and others believe the truth about him should NEVER be told nor should anything negative be said.
HOW is that NOT hilter-esque?
So far two user names for referring to the hood as a hood.
Wow. Screw YOU st pete times. I love ya.
U.S. attorney a veteran at fighting public corruption
By Alexandra Zayas and Justin George, Times Staff Writers
In Print: Friday, June 17, 2011
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O’Neill has a history of prosecuting corruption in Hillsborough.
TAMPA — Two years ago, Robert O'Neill was on a short list to be the top federal law enforcer for the Middle District of Florida.
O'Neill, about to charge a former judge with bank fraud, dropped a hint to the panel interviewing him.
"Public corruption should always be a priority," he said. "If it's there, we need to make sure those cases are being made."
He got the job. And this week, Hillsborough County witnessed for the first time in years the arrest of a government official, Kevin White, on public corruption charges.
To those who know O'Neill, his personal appearance in a courtroom Wednesday was no surprise.
"He is, I think, just personally offended when public officials are being bribed or breaking the law," said Tampa defense lawyer John Fitzgibbons.
O'Neill, 53, grew up in a blue-collar neighborhood in the Bronx, the son of immigrants, a janitor and a maid who met on a service elevator.
His first days as a young prosecutor were spent tackling violent crimes in 1980s New York City. His career took him to Miami during the era of cocaine cowboys, when bodies floated down the river.
Hillsborough County, that decade, saw its own share of excitement: county commissioners in handcuffs.
The U.S. attorney at the time was a legendary hard charger named Robert W. "Mad Dog" Merkle Jr., who garnered both intense criticism and staunch support as he crusaded against Tampa's power elite.
County Commissioners Jerry Bowmer, Joe Kotvas and Fred Anderson had taken bribes in exchange for zoning votes. Merkle's office won their convictions.
But he was often accused of tainting reputations without convincing evidence. He subpoenaed the governor to ask if he had taken bribes. He accused the mayor of being "on the take."
Going after public officials is sensitive business, said Bill Jung, who worked with O'Neill as a federal prosecutor.
"There is a discernment which is most important in public corruption cases," he said. "There's too much at stake."
In 1993, O'Neill served as lead prosecutor in a corruption case against Deborah Gore Dean, a second cousin to Vice President Al Gore.
O'Neill drew criticism when he accused her of lying on the witness stand — "You can take her testimony and throw it in the garbage where it belongs," he said.
He started prosecuting cases that year for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Florida's Middle District, which includes the Tampa Bay area.
In 2001, he successfully prosecuted Audley S. Evans, accused of misappropriating $4.5 million in Tampa Housing Authority funds.
His 2004 prosecution sent Steve and Lynne LaBrake to prison for conspiracy, wire fraud and accepting bribes, after news stories raised suspicions about the man who headed Tampa's housing department.
After the conviction, O'Neill said the verdicts sent a message that public officials should not abuse their positions for personal gain, noting, "This is a serious crime that undermines our system of government."
Over the years, prosecution priorities have evolved, said Todd Foster, a defense lawyer and former prosecutor and FBI agent.
Drugs were big in the 1980s. Priorities shifted heavily to fighting terrorism after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Fitzgibbons says that since O'Neill's appointment, defense lawyers have noticed an uptick in white collar prosecutions.
Federal investigators have been looking into state Sen. Jim Norman's financial relationship with Ralph Hughes, a now-deceased businessman who gave Norman's wife $500,000 to buy a lakefront home in Arkansas when Norman was a county commissioner.
Last month, O'Neill signed a subpoena for employment records of Norman's legislative aide.
This month, apart from his bribery indictment of White, O'Neill's office filed charges against Ronald Clifton, alleging bribery and false statements made as the mayor and a council member in South Daytona.
O'Neill declined an interview for this story.
His schedule, a spokesman said, was too full.
News researcher John Martin contributed to this report. Alexandra Zayas can be reached at azayas@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3354.
Biography
Robert E. O'Neill
Age: 53
Hometown: The Bronx, New York
Education: Fordham University, 1979; New York Law School, 1982
First job: Assistant District Attorney, Manhattan
Current job: U.S. Attorney, Middle District of Florida
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Viewing 1 - 22 of 22 comments Oldest First Newest First Top Rated
ididso Jun 16, 2011 8:08 PM Yesterday Be glad that he is doing his job, and doing it well.
Why does the times have to interview him?
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Report Abuse 0 4 Wilsonite Jun 16, 2011 8:48 PM Yesterday what's his Kennedy connection...i have to know
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Report Abuse 4 0 buckeyes Jun 16, 2011 9:56 PM Yesterday Irish Reply
Report Abuse 1 0 Wilsonite Jun 16, 2011 8:59 PM Yesterday proably weiners right...(and) left hand man
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Report Abuse 6 0 Wilsonite Jun 16, 2011 9:36 PM Yesterday kicka$$ mullet by the way
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Report Abuse 1 4 McBob Jun 16, 2011 9:54 PM Yesterday No doubt...nice mullet! Reply
Report Abuse 0 2 Del Ludo Jun 17, 2011 10:18 AM About 9 hours ago Not a mullet. The hair belongs to the woman standing behind him. Reply
Report Abuse 0 0 Censorshipsucks Jun 17, 2011 11:19 AM About 8 hours ago Dude has set of big brass ba**s to not only take on corrupt government officials but to do it whilst sporting a mullet :) I tip my hat to this guy. Reply
Report Abuse 0 0 buckeyes Jun 16, 2011 10:03 PM Yesterday Fitzgibbons says that since O'Neill's appointment, defense lawyers have noticed an uptick in white collar prosecutions.....thats because Mr O'Neill is sitting on the largest white collar prosecution in USA history! isnt he?
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Report Abuse 1 1 Wilsonite Jun 16, 2011 10:36 PM Yesterday gibbons fits patrick and patrick fitsgibbons....the whole rainbow thing Reply
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Bronx_Bobby_is_a_HOOT Jun 17, 2011 7:26 PM Less than a minute ago the gibb is the same talking face says deb lafave who is NOT ALL THAT is too pretty for prison ... lol. He must think bobby is pretty, too. He can't say enough good about him. EVERY ARTICLE. He and Jung.
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Report Abuse buckeyes Jun 16, 2011 10:04 PM Yesterday O'Neill declined an interview for this story.
His schedule, a spokesman said, was too full....Dam criminals
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Report Abuse 1 3 ian80 Jun 17, 2011 12:24 AM About 19 hours ago After the conviction, O'Neill said the verdicts sent a message that public officials should not abuse their positions for personal gain, noting, "This is a serious crime that undermines our system of government."
JoMa puts up inspirational messages in the Rays clubhouse, along the lines of, integrity not needing rules etc.
Maybe all elected officials, city.county,state and federal (R and D) should put O'Neill's message up in their office.
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Report Abuse 1 3 dfpetrano Jun 17, 2011 3:27 AM About 16 hours ago Whatever mischief Kevin White is accused of, even if true, equates to lemonade stand money and relevance.
Funding to investigate/prosecute bribery/corruption is extremely limited to the extent such efforts must be narrowly tailored to bust THE BIG GUYS, namely, those scam-artists who take $major$ bribes in the $millions$ peddling this phony war on terror.
Has anyone noticed the dozens of private security goons employed at the Hillsborough County Courthouse lately?
Anyone who openly states these contractual awards at the 13th Judicial Circuit courthouse are bribe-free is either brain-dead or has a vested stake in this Department of Homeland Security con-game. Oneill will serve "National Security Letters" on any attempt to meaningfully investigate these DHS scammers.
This entire Kevin White corruption ordeal is smoke & mirrors intended by O'Neill to take your eyes off the real corruption occurring on the federal level in the name of "keeping us safe."
David F. Petrano, Esq
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Report Abuse 6 4 Mucho Dinero Jun 17, 2011 4:31 AM About 15 hours ago Wow, between your and Mary Katherine Day-Petrano's Facebook pages, the two of you are collectively NUTS! Glad to not be in your family!!
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Report Abuse 2 4 dfpetrano Jun 17, 2011 9:11 AM About 10 hours ago Fact remains, I'm a member of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, and you're not. My family? well, my son Brian is Assistant Attorney General, SC. DEAL WITH IT. Reply
Report Abuse 2 2 thomasito chocolato Jun 17, 2011 10:02 AM About 9 hours ago I DON'T give a f*&k who you are, but the way of your character that describing you that you are a arrogant jerk! Just be yourself and keep it to youself! thomasito chocolato Reply
Report Abuse 1 5
Bronx_Bobby_is_a_HOOT Jun 17, 2011 7:22 PM Less than a minute ago thomasito rises up as THE COMMENT POLICE. He's just stating who he is TC. If that makes you feel bad the mirror is the place to look. Take care.
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Bronx_Bobby_is_a_HOOT Jun 17, 2011 7:23 PM Less than a minute ago RUDE mucho dinero.
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Report Abuse Gilbert Ford Jun 17, 2011 5:09 AM About 14 hours ago Hopefully, US Atty O'Neill can cast his prosecuting net up and around Scott in Tallahassee, Sansom in Panama City, Hawkes in Gainesville for starters. Only, then will I heap praise.
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Report Abuse 0 6
Bronx_Bobby_is_a_HOOT Jun 17, 2011 7:24 PM Less than a minute ago hold your praise, gilbert. That will NEVER happen. O'Neill is on the same team with most of the big bats including Charlie Wells, big bat from manatee.
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Report Abuse JohnnyBee Jun 17, 2011 6:44 AM About 13 hours ago Don't worry Public Officials (read jerky politicians) the Florida GOP has just made bribery totally legal again-only if you are GOP of course! As a rather famous Times Columist has said Politician should have to wear branding (ala NASCAR) of those who have bribed them for the current year!
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Report Abuse 0 2 Boppy Jun 17, 2011 7:49 AM About 12 hours ago Public corruption is as bad as street crime if not worse. The public trust gets broken and the governmental system is foiled. I'm glad we have a U.S. Attorney who is willing to prosecute corrupt politicians. I wish more politicians were criminally prosecuted.
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Report Abuse 0 4 ididso Jun 17, 2011 8:20 AM About 11 hours ago Why in the world would the Times have to interview this man?
Can't you see it?
"Why are you doing such a good job"?
"Because that is what I am paid to do"
"Why haven't others done as well as you"?
"Ask them".
"Well sir, thank you for taking time to talk to us"
"Yeah, sure, can I get back to work now"?
"Humm, of course, and keep up the good work".
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Report Abuse 1 0 Del Ludo Jun 17, 2011 8:25 AM About 11 hours ago The Middle District of FL needs a US Atty like this to come out swinging against public corruption. Now take a look at the wayward disgraced former assistant US attorney who tried to block ONeills appointment as US Attorney and his connection to the St Pete Times.
www.JournalismDoneRight.com
Alexandra Zayas and Justin George, good reporting.
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Report Abuse 1 3
Bronx_Bobby_is_a_HOOT Jun 17, 2011 7:20 PM Less than a minute ago lol !! Great joke, del. You keep em comin', brother.
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Report Abuse bfisher Jun 17, 2011 9:26 AM About 10 hours ago IT'S ABOUT TIME! Public Corruption in Florida rivals NJ, Louisanna and Illinois but the state and local law enforcement in this state has done NOTHING about it. hopefully this arrest is the first of many. we need to change the culture in this state as we citizens have no trust or faith in our political leaders
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Report Abuse 0 3 JustEd Jun 17, 2011 9:35 AM About 10 hours ago "Just a little off the sides, Mr. O'Neill?"
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Report Abuse 0 0 bfisher Jun 17, 2011 9:56 AM About 10 hours ago Ive never seen a prosecutor with a mullet... only in Florida
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Report Abuse 0 1 Del Ludo Jun 17, 2011 10:17 AM About 9 hours ago That’s not a mullet. It’s the hair of the woman in the background. Reply
Report Abuse 1 1
Bronx_Bobby_is_a_HOOT Jun 17, 2011 7:20 PM Less than a minute ago del ludo combed bobby's hair himself we must surmise. Intimately acquainted.
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Report Abuse jscanlan Jun 17, 2011 10:32 AM About 9 hours ago In a September 26, 2010 Truth in Justice (TIJ) item styled “The Honorable Robert E. O’Neill Regrets That He Is Unable to Answer Questions from the Audience,†I discussed that in his US Attorney application Robert O’Neill stated that a District of Columbia Bar Counsel investigation of his conduct in US v. Dean was initiated by the convicted defendant, when in fact the investigation was initiated by Bar Counsel itself after reading a court of appeals opinion “deplor[ing]†O’Neill’s conduct. I suggested that O’Neill would be wise to avoid circumstances where he might be asked if he lied on his US Attorney application. I was referring to speaking engagements. But the same point applies to interviews by the press.
http://truthinjusticefiles.blogspot.com/2010/09/honorable-robert-e-oneill-regrets-that.html
O’Neill’s appearance in the White case suggests he may be inclined to try it himself. In that regard, I note that the case involves a 18 U.S.C. § 1001 false s
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Report Abuse 0 0 jscanlan Jun 17, 2011 10:37 AM About 9 hours ago This material was intended for a prior comment:
O'Neill's appearance in the White case suggests he may be inclined to try it himself. In that regard, I note that the case involves a 18 U.S.C. 1001 false statement claim. Trying a case with such a claim raises an additional problem for O'Neill and for a court that has to impanel a jury. See my February 19, 2011 TIJ item styled "Robert E. O'Neill and 18 U.S.C. 1001."
http://truthinjusticefiles.blogspot.com/2011/02/us-attorney-robert-e-oneill-and-18-usc.html
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Report Abuse 0 0 dfpetrano Jun 17, 2011 10:45 AM About 9 hours ago Robert O'Neill,
I believe you/I shared the same prof, Judge Raymond O'Keefe (RIP). He was your Dean at Fordham?; likewise, he was my evidence prof at STU.
Recall the story O'Keefe told everyone regarding the day Judge Sirica phoned him immediately following the Watergare break-in 1st-appearance, when Sirica told O'Keefe he was puzzled as to why the US courthouse hallways were chock-full of top level DOJ attorneys, when the case was supposedly nothing more than a simple break-in?
It was O'Keefe who suggested Sirica nail these Nixon punks irrespective of the threats/intimidation that would most certainly follow.
Do the right thing. Tampa Bay area is where all these retired US Military mucky-mucks attain their rigged $cost$ plus contracts as they milk this phony war on terror; likewise, don't screw-up like your office did w/ the Spellisy case.
David F. Petrano, Esq.
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Report Abuse 1 3
Bronx_Bobby_is_a_HOOT Jun 17, 2011 7:19 PM Less than a minute ago careful what you say. NOTHING BAD ABOUT BOOBY. They will delete your user name and your comments. AND issue a nsl
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Bronx_Bobby_is_a_HOOT Jun 17, 2011 7:30 PM Less than a minute ago Mr. Petrano, With all due respect. Robert knows no shame but I am touched by your honest attempt to find his decent bone. You were lucky to have O'Keefe. I think Bob turned up his walkman.
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Report Abuse Alleycat Jun 17, 2011 12:33 PM About 7 hours ago I would like to personally invite U. S. Attorney O'Neill to Palm Beach County; we have anough official corruption at the highest levels going on to keep him busy for the rest of his career.
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Bronx_Bobby_is_a_HOOT Jun 17, 2011 7:28 PM Less than a minute ago I think Bob looks angry for court room demeanor. When standing before the judge you are supposed to be poker faced and withold your emotion no matter what the circumstance. How does he get away with such sloppy lawyer'ing?? It's against the rulez
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Report Abuse caroljohn Jun 17, 2011 3:14 PM About 4 hours ago U.S. Attorney O`Neill should also come to the school board meeting about Julie Janssen
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Bronx_Bobby_is_a_HOOT Jun 17, 2011 7:18 PM Less than a minute ago to split the take?
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Bronx_Bobby_is_a_HOOT Jun 17, 2011 7:18 PM Less than a minute ago Drugs "were" big: LOL??????? what are they now?? GINORMOUS???
HOW is that NOT hilter-esque?
So far two user names for referring to the hood as a hood.
Wow. Screw YOU st pete times. I love ya.
U.S. attorney a veteran at fighting public corruption
By Alexandra Zayas and Justin George, Times Staff Writers
In Print: Friday, June 17, 2011
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O’Neill has a history of prosecuting corruption in Hillsborough.
TAMPA — Two years ago, Robert O'Neill was on a short list to be the top federal law enforcer for the Middle District of Florida.
O'Neill, about to charge a former judge with bank fraud, dropped a hint to the panel interviewing him.
"Public corruption should always be a priority," he said. "If it's there, we need to make sure those cases are being made."
He got the job. And this week, Hillsborough County witnessed for the first time in years the arrest of a government official, Kevin White, on public corruption charges.
To those who know O'Neill, his personal appearance in a courtroom Wednesday was no surprise.
"He is, I think, just personally offended when public officials are being bribed or breaking the law," said Tampa defense lawyer John Fitzgibbons.
O'Neill, 53, grew up in a blue-collar neighborhood in the Bronx, the son of immigrants, a janitor and a maid who met on a service elevator.
His first days as a young prosecutor were spent tackling violent crimes in 1980s New York City. His career took him to Miami during the era of cocaine cowboys, when bodies floated down the river.
Hillsborough County, that decade, saw its own share of excitement: county commissioners in handcuffs.
The U.S. attorney at the time was a legendary hard charger named Robert W. "Mad Dog" Merkle Jr., who garnered both intense criticism and staunch support as he crusaded against Tampa's power elite.
County Commissioners Jerry Bowmer, Joe Kotvas and Fred Anderson had taken bribes in exchange for zoning votes. Merkle's office won their convictions.
But he was often accused of tainting reputations without convincing evidence. He subpoenaed the governor to ask if he had taken bribes. He accused the mayor of being "on the take."
Going after public officials is sensitive business, said Bill Jung, who worked with O'Neill as a federal prosecutor.
"There is a discernment which is most important in public corruption cases," he said. "There's too much at stake."
In 1993, O'Neill served as lead prosecutor in a corruption case against Deborah Gore Dean, a second cousin to Vice President Al Gore.
O'Neill drew criticism when he accused her of lying on the witness stand — "You can take her testimony and throw it in the garbage where it belongs," he said.
He started prosecuting cases that year for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Florida's Middle District, which includes the Tampa Bay area.
In 2001, he successfully prosecuted Audley S. Evans, accused of misappropriating $4.5 million in Tampa Housing Authority funds.
His 2004 prosecution sent Steve and Lynne LaBrake to prison for conspiracy, wire fraud and accepting bribes, after news stories raised suspicions about the man who headed Tampa's housing department.
After the conviction, O'Neill said the verdicts sent a message that public officials should not abuse their positions for personal gain, noting, "This is a serious crime that undermines our system of government."
Over the years, prosecution priorities have evolved, said Todd Foster, a defense lawyer and former prosecutor and FBI agent.
Drugs were big in the 1980s. Priorities shifted heavily to fighting terrorism after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Fitzgibbons says that since O'Neill's appointment, defense lawyers have noticed an uptick in white collar prosecutions.
Federal investigators have been looking into state Sen. Jim Norman's financial relationship with Ralph Hughes, a now-deceased businessman who gave Norman's wife $500,000 to buy a lakefront home in Arkansas when Norman was a county commissioner.
Last month, O'Neill signed a subpoena for employment records of Norman's legislative aide.
This month, apart from his bribery indictment of White, O'Neill's office filed charges against Ronald Clifton, alleging bribery and false statements made as the mayor and a council member in South Daytona.
O'Neill declined an interview for this story.
His schedule, a spokesman said, was too full.
News researcher John Martin contributed to this report. Alexandra Zayas can be reached at azayas@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3354.
Biography
Robert E. O'Neill
Age: 53
Hometown: The Bronx, New York
Education: Fordham University, 1979; New York Law School, 1982
First job: Assistant District Attorney, Manhattan
Current job: U.S. Attorney, Middle District of Florida
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Viewing 1 - 22 of 22 comments Oldest First Newest First Top Rated
ididso Jun 16, 2011 8:08 PM Yesterday Be glad that he is doing his job, and doing it well.
Why does the times have to interview him?
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Report Abuse 0 4 Wilsonite Jun 16, 2011 8:48 PM Yesterday what's his Kennedy connection...i have to know
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Report Abuse 4 0 buckeyes Jun 16, 2011 9:56 PM Yesterday Irish Reply
Report Abuse 1 0 Wilsonite Jun 16, 2011 8:59 PM Yesterday proably weiners right...(and) left hand man
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Report Abuse 6 0 Wilsonite Jun 16, 2011 9:36 PM Yesterday kicka$$ mullet by the way
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Report Abuse 1 4 McBob Jun 16, 2011 9:54 PM Yesterday No doubt...nice mullet! Reply
Report Abuse 0 2 Del Ludo Jun 17, 2011 10:18 AM About 9 hours ago Not a mullet. The hair belongs to the woman standing behind him. Reply
Report Abuse 0 0 Censorshipsucks Jun 17, 2011 11:19 AM About 8 hours ago Dude has set of big brass ba**s to not only take on corrupt government officials but to do it whilst sporting a mullet :) I tip my hat to this guy. Reply
Report Abuse 0 0 buckeyes Jun 16, 2011 10:03 PM Yesterday Fitzgibbons says that since O'Neill's appointment, defense lawyers have noticed an uptick in white collar prosecutions.....thats because Mr O'Neill is sitting on the largest white collar prosecution in USA history! isnt he?
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Report Abuse 1 1 Wilsonite Jun 16, 2011 10:36 PM Yesterday gibbons fits patrick and patrick fitsgibbons....the whole rainbow thing Reply
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Bronx_Bobby_is_a_HOOT Jun 17, 2011 7:26 PM Less than a minute ago the gibb is the same talking face says deb lafave who is NOT ALL THAT is too pretty for prison ... lol. He must think bobby is pretty, too. He can't say enough good about him. EVERY ARTICLE. He and Jung.
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Report Abuse buckeyes Jun 16, 2011 10:04 PM Yesterday O'Neill declined an interview for this story.
His schedule, a spokesman said, was too full....Dam criminals
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Report Abuse 1 3 ian80 Jun 17, 2011 12:24 AM About 19 hours ago After the conviction, O'Neill said the verdicts sent a message that public officials should not abuse their positions for personal gain, noting, "This is a serious crime that undermines our system of government."
JoMa puts up inspirational messages in the Rays clubhouse, along the lines of, integrity not needing rules etc.
Maybe all elected officials, city.county,state and federal (R and D) should put O'Neill's message up in their office.
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Report Abuse 1 3 dfpetrano Jun 17, 2011 3:27 AM About 16 hours ago Whatever mischief Kevin White is accused of, even if true, equates to lemonade stand money and relevance.
Funding to investigate/prosecute bribery/corruption is extremely limited to the extent such efforts must be narrowly tailored to bust THE BIG GUYS, namely, those scam-artists who take $major$ bribes in the $millions$ peddling this phony war on terror.
Has anyone noticed the dozens of private security goons employed at the Hillsborough County Courthouse lately?
Anyone who openly states these contractual awards at the 13th Judicial Circuit courthouse are bribe-free is either brain-dead or has a vested stake in this Department of Homeland Security con-game. Oneill will serve "National Security Letters" on any attempt to meaningfully investigate these DHS scammers.
This entire Kevin White corruption ordeal is smoke & mirrors intended by O'Neill to take your eyes off the real corruption occurring on the federal level in the name of "keeping us safe."
David F. Petrano, Esq
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Report Abuse 6 4 Mucho Dinero Jun 17, 2011 4:31 AM About 15 hours ago Wow, between your and Mary Katherine Day-Petrano's Facebook pages, the two of you are collectively NUTS! Glad to not be in your family!!
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Report Abuse 2 4 dfpetrano Jun 17, 2011 9:11 AM About 10 hours ago Fact remains, I'm a member of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, and you're not. My family? well, my son Brian is Assistant Attorney General, SC. DEAL WITH IT. Reply
Report Abuse 2 2 thomasito chocolato Jun 17, 2011 10:02 AM About 9 hours ago I DON'T give a f*&k who you are, but the way of your character that describing you that you are a arrogant jerk! Just be yourself and keep it to youself! thomasito chocolato Reply
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Bronx_Bobby_is_a_HOOT Jun 17, 2011 7:22 PM Less than a minute ago thomasito rises up as THE COMMENT POLICE. He's just stating who he is TC. If that makes you feel bad the mirror is the place to look. Take care.
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Bronx_Bobby_is_a_HOOT Jun 17, 2011 7:23 PM Less than a minute ago RUDE mucho dinero.
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Report Abuse Gilbert Ford Jun 17, 2011 5:09 AM About 14 hours ago Hopefully, US Atty O'Neill can cast his prosecuting net up and around Scott in Tallahassee, Sansom in Panama City, Hawkes in Gainesville for starters. Only, then will I heap praise.
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Bronx_Bobby_is_a_HOOT Jun 17, 2011 7:24 PM Less than a minute ago hold your praise, gilbert. That will NEVER happen. O'Neill is on the same team with most of the big bats including Charlie Wells, big bat from manatee.
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Report Abuse JohnnyBee Jun 17, 2011 6:44 AM About 13 hours ago Don't worry Public Officials (read jerky politicians) the Florida GOP has just made bribery totally legal again-only if you are GOP of course! As a rather famous Times Columist has said Politician should have to wear branding (ala NASCAR) of those who have bribed them for the current year!
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Report Abuse 0 2 Boppy Jun 17, 2011 7:49 AM About 12 hours ago Public corruption is as bad as street crime if not worse. The public trust gets broken and the governmental system is foiled. I'm glad we have a U.S. Attorney who is willing to prosecute corrupt politicians. I wish more politicians were criminally prosecuted.
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Report Abuse 0 4 ididso Jun 17, 2011 8:20 AM About 11 hours ago Why in the world would the Times have to interview this man?
Can't you see it?
"Why are you doing such a good job"?
"Because that is what I am paid to do"
"Why haven't others done as well as you"?
"Ask them".
"Well sir, thank you for taking time to talk to us"
"Yeah, sure, can I get back to work now"?
"Humm, of course, and keep up the good work".
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Report Abuse 1 0 Del Ludo Jun 17, 2011 8:25 AM About 11 hours ago The Middle District of FL needs a US Atty like this to come out swinging against public corruption. Now take a look at the wayward disgraced former assistant US attorney who tried to block ONeills appointment as US Attorney and his connection to the St Pete Times.
www.JournalismDoneRight.com
Alexandra Zayas and Justin George, good reporting.
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Bronx_Bobby_is_a_HOOT Jun 17, 2011 7:20 PM Less than a minute ago lol !! Great joke, del. You keep em comin', brother.
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Report Abuse bfisher Jun 17, 2011 9:26 AM About 10 hours ago IT'S ABOUT TIME! Public Corruption in Florida rivals NJ, Louisanna and Illinois but the state and local law enforcement in this state has done NOTHING about it. hopefully this arrest is the first of many. we need to change the culture in this state as we citizens have no trust or faith in our political leaders
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Report Abuse 0 3 JustEd Jun 17, 2011 9:35 AM About 10 hours ago "Just a little off the sides, Mr. O'Neill?"
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Report Abuse 0 0 bfisher Jun 17, 2011 9:56 AM About 10 hours ago Ive never seen a prosecutor with a mullet... only in Florida
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Report Abuse 0 1 Del Ludo Jun 17, 2011 10:17 AM About 9 hours ago That’s not a mullet. It’s the hair of the woman in the background. Reply
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Bronx_Bobby_is_a_HOOT Jun 17, 2011 7:20 PM Less than a minute ago del ludo combed bobby's hair himself we must surmise. Intimately acquainted.
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Report Abuse jscanlan Jun 17, 2011 10:32 AM About 9 hours ago In a September 26, 2010 Truth in Justice (TIJ) item styled “The Honorable Robert E. O’Neill Regrets That He Is Unable to Answer Questions from the Audience,†I discussed that in his US Attorney application Robert O’Neill stated that a District of Columbia Bar Counsel investigation of his conduct in US v. Dean was initiated by the convicted defendant, when in fact the investigation was initiated by Bar Counsel itself after reading a court of appeals opinion “deplor[ing]†O’Neill’s conduct. I suggested that O’Neill would be wise to avoid circumstances where he might be asked if he lied on his US Attorney application. I was referring to speaking engagements. But the same point applies to interviews by the press.
http://truthinjusticefiles.blogspot.com/2010/09/honorable-robert-e-oneill-regrets-that.html
O’Neill’s appearance in the White case suggests he may be inclined to try it himself. In that regard, I note that the case involves a 18 U.S.C. § 1001 false s
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Report Abuse 0 0 jscanlan Jun 17, 2011 10:37 AM About 9 hours ago This material was intended for a prior comment:
O'Neill's appearance in the White case suggests he may be inclined to try it himself. In that regard, I note that the case involves a 18 U.S.C. 1001 false statement claim. Trying a case with such a claim raises an additional problem for O'Neill and for a court that has to impanel a jury. See my February 19, 2011 TIJ item styled "Robert E. O'Neill and 18 U.S.C. 1001."
http://truthinjusticefiles.blogspot.com/2011/02/us-attorney-robert-e-oneill-and-18-usc.html
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Report Abuse 0 0 dfpetrano Jun 17, 2011 10:45 AM About 9 hours ago Robert O'Neill,
I believe you/I shared the same prof, Judge Raymond O'Keefe (RIP). He was your Dean at Fordham?; likewise, he was my evidence prof at STU.
Recall the story O'Keefe told everyone regarding the day Judge Sirica phoned him immediately following the Watergare break-in 1st-appearance, when Sirica told O'Keefe he was puzzled as to why the US courthouse hallways were chock-full of top level DOJ attorneys, when the case was supposedly nothing more than a simple break-in?
It was O'Keefe who suggested Sirica nail these Nixon punks irrespective of the threats/intimidation that would most certainly follow.
Do the right thing. Tampa Bay area is where all these retired US Military mucky-mucks attain their rigged $cost$ plus contracts as they milk this phony war on terror; likewise, don't screw-up like your office did w/ the Spellisy case.
David F. Petrano, Esq.
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Bronx_Bobby_is_a_HOOT Jun 17, 2011 7:19 PM Less than a minute ago careful what you say. NOTHING BAD ABOUT BOOBY. They will delete your user name and your comments. AND issue a nsl
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Bronx_Bobby_is_a_HOOT Jun 17, 2011 7:30 PM Less than a minute ago Mr. Petrano, With all due respect. Robert knows no shame but I am touched by your honest attempt to find his decent bone. You were lucky to have O'Keefe. I think Bob turned up his walkman.
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Report Abuse Alleycat Jun 17, 2011 12:33 PM About 7 hours ago I would like to personally invite U. S. Attorney O'Neill to Palm Beach County; we have anough official corruption at the highest levels going on to keep him busy for the rest of his career.
Reply
Report Abuse 1 0
Bronx_Bobby_is_a_HOOT Jun 17, 2011 7:28 PM Less than a minute ago I think Bob looks angry for court room demeanor. When standing before the judge you are supposed to be poker faced and withold your emotion no matter what the circumstance. How does he get away with such sloppy lawyer'ing?? It's against the rulez
Reply
Report Abuse caroljohn Jun 17, 2011 3:14 PM About 4 hours ago U.S. Attorney O`Neill should also come to the school board meeting about Julie Janssen
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Bronx_Bobby_is_a_HOOT Jun 17, 2011 7:18 PM Less than a minute ago to split the take?
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Bronx_Bobby_is_a_HOOT Jun 17, 2011 7:18 PM Less than a minute ago Drugs "were" big: LOL??????? what are they now?? GINORMOUS???
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