Kevin White co-defendant still not competent for trial

TAMPA — The co-defendant in the bribery case against former Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin White is still mentally incompetent to stand trial, a judge ruled Thursday.

George Hondrellis, owner of Tampa City Towing, will receive medication and treatment at a Miami hospital, U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas Wilson said at a hearing. The judge said at a previous hearing that Hondrellis is a violent paranoid schizophrenic.

The judge had received a report from a psychiatrist on Hondrellis' condition. Hondrellis cannot be tried on bribery and conspiracy charges until he is ruled competent.

White was convicted on seven of 10 corruption charges in November for accepting $6,000 in bribes from an undercover FBI agent seeking his influence to obtain a towing license from the Public Transportation Commission. White is scheduled to be sentenced March 12.

Hondrellis faces charges that include bribery, wire and mail fraud and conspiracy.

Prosecutors say he initiated bribery discussions with White's father for influence on the PTC in obtaining a towing license. White chaired the agency.

Reach William R. Levesque at levesque@tampabay.com or (813) 226-3432.