FBI case to continue after death of attorney

The recent death of political power broker Ronald White should not cause total disruption to the case of city corruption brought against him and several other associates of Mayor John Street four months ago.

White, who died last Thursday of pancreatic cancer, emerged as a central figure in the Federal Bureau of Investigation's probe into corruption in Philadelphia's government after the FBI placed an electronic monitoring device on his office phone. They monitored conversations in which White, a powerful attorney, and former City Treasurer Corey Kemp openly conspired to allow White to make major decisions on city business matters in exchange for monetary and other benefits.

The U.S. Attorney's Office refused to comment so soon after White's death on how the loss of the central figure will affect the case. But as there are still many other defendants, it will probably continue mostly unhindered.

The two men allegedly exchanged gifts, including a payment of $10,000 in 2002, a Super Bowl trip and a new deck for Kemp's house, as well as other meals and parties. Kemp would then allegedly follow White's instructions on doling out city contracts.

The U.S. Attorney's Office indicted 10 others, including White's long-term girlfriend and city businesspeople, on charges of fraud, false statements to the FBI, perjury and extortion, among others. Two Commerce Bank executives -- Commerce Bank Pennsylvania President Glenn Holck and Regional Vice President Stephen Umbrell -- are charged with granting Kemp "favorable and otherwise unavailable loans" for personal use. In return, Kemp granted Commerce Bank a deal to provide the city with $30 million worth of credit.

White would have faced 555 years of imprisonment and a $8.25 million fine if convicted, while Kemp still faces up to 798 years in prison and a $10.75 million fine.

The FBI probe was first disclosed to the public when Philadelphia Police found a bug in Mayor Street's office on Oct. 7, 2003. Shortly thereafter on Oct. 16, the FBI raided White's offices. Through a succession of wiretaps, agents picked up longtime Street supporter Imam Shamsud-din Ali's name in wiretapped conversations, and White's name was in turn implicated when the FBI began investigating Ali.

White was a major supporter of Street, donating over $130,000 to his re-election campaign. Despite the indictment's claims that White was unconcerned with politics and only wanted Street in office for the financial gain, the mayor praised his life and work.

"Notwithstanding the controversy surrounding Ron White at the time of his death, his life was one replete with purpose in so many ways," Street said in a statement. "Ron achieved up to and beyond the limits of his potential."

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