TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

An Extraordinary Crime Fighter

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 19, 2008

It's no exaggeration to say Bill James, who died Monday at age 75, pulled Hillsborough County's reputation out of the mud.

The former FBI agent vigorously fought corruption as a federal prosecutor and was responsible for the investigations that led to the arrests of three county commissioners who had been soliciting bribes from developers.

The case resulted in wholesale reforms of a government where questionable connections determined many outcomes. Citizens were empowered, elected officials made more accountable.

Similarly, James shook things up after being elected Hillsborough state attorney in 1984.

He took over an office that, while capable enough, was not known for being aggressive, especially when it came to scrutinizing local officials.

James transformed it into one of the most vigorous and efficient law-enforcement operations in the state. Conviction rates soared - as did the morale of police departments.

Rumors of government corruption were extinguished because citizens knew James and his crew were quick to pursue any reports of abuse.

James, a prosecutor at heart, was no natural politician. Glad-handing never came easily and in 1992 he lost a razor-thin race for a third term.

But Hillsborough residents should be forever grateful to the no-nonsense crime fighter who helped restore public confidence to both government and law enforcement.

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT