Advertisement

Former Hillsborough Commissioner Kevin White gets a Spanish interpreter — his sister-in-law.

 
Published March 7, 2012

TAMPA — A federal judge will allow a Spanish interpreter at the sentencing Monday of former Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin White on corruption charges.

But it won't be on the taxpayers' dime.

White's attorney, Grady Irvin Jr., had earlier this week requested a Spanish translator at White's sentencing because White's in-laws do not speak English. As a back-up plan, the attorney had offered the services of White's sister-in-law if a court translator could not be provided.

U.S. District Court Judge James D. Whittemore approved the use of the sister-in-law, but did not say why he would not allow a court-appointed translator.

So far, Whittemore is silent on a second request by Irvin that White's sentencing hearing be lengthened by 90 minutes. In a motion, Irvin said the 30 minutes now scheduled may not be sufficient to allow everyone to speak on White's behalf.

Irvin said up to 15 people may want to do so.