State Attorney Suzy Lopez swore in our newest Assistant State Attorneys after they officially passed the Florida Bar exam! Thank you to Judge Lindsay Alvarez, a former ASA, for helping us commemorate this special day. Congratulations on all of your hard work. Welcome to the SAO!

Today we celebrate and say thank you to our incredible Administrative Professionals! 🌟 They are the backbone of our office, and we want to  express our sincerest appreciation for all the work they do to keep the agency running smoothly so we can bring justice to the community!

Prosecutor Ron Gale will appear on Court TV this Sunday, April 27th at 8pm on the series “Interview with a Killer.” He will discuss his role in prosecuting Devon Arthurs for the murder of his two roommates. Arthurs is currently spending 45 years in prison for the crime.

Former #Greenbay Green Bay Packers star Michael Neal is currently in jail on no bond in Tampa. He is charged with sexually battering a woman. Earlier this month, he was arrested and charged with domestic violence by strangulation against the same victim. #NFL

Former NFL player Mike Neal appeared in a Tampa courtroom this morning facing sexual battery charges. Prosecutors argued he should remain in jail until trial to keep the victim and community safe. A judge will make that decision within 24 hours.

❗️Guilty as Charged❗️ A jury found Timothy Kerr and Fabian Gray guilty of first-degree murder in the shooting death of a Tampa man in 2019. They face a mandatory life prison sentence. Assistant State Attorneys Chinwe Fossett and Katherine Fand successfully prosecuted this case.

Jurors in the Jarred White second-degree murder trial heard testimony today from responding officers testified about evidence found at the scene near the South Howard bar in 2022. Witnesses also told the jury it was a bar fight that quickly escalated when White fired his weapon.

The jury is now deliberating in the second-degree murder trial of Jarred White. The defendant told the jury the shooting was self-defense. Prosecutors argued that White was not in fear for his life when he gunned down 22-year-old Justin Burks outside of a popular SoHo bar.

This National Police Week, we honor the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of the law enforcement officers who serve our community and others across the nation. We also remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Their service will never be forgotten.

Happy National Receptionists’ Day! 😁🌟 They are the first people you see when calling or visiting the State Attorney’s Office. Thank you for keeping our office running smoothly and for being friendly faces on the front line.

May is officially Problem-Solving Court Month in Hillsborough County! Our circuit’s problem-solving courts include Drug Court, Mental Health court, and Veteran’s Treatment Court. These specialized courts offer an alternative to incarceration by focusing on rehabilitation.

❗️Hurricane Season is Here❗️ Justice doesn’t pause when a storm hits. That’s why our office has created a Hurricane Preparedness & Justice Guide to help you before, during, and after a storm. Visit hillsboroughsao.gov/about/hurrican… to access the guide.

We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Tampa City Councilwoman Gwendolyn Henderson. She wore many hats of service in our community, including a beloved teacher, local business owner, and public servant.

Kristopher Chandler will spend the rest of his life in prison after a jury found him guilty of shooting and killing his neighbor in the Grand Hampton community in July of 2022. Assistant State Attorneys Scott Harmon and Nathan Watters successfully prosecuted this case.

The jury has found Ronny Walker guilty of first-degree murder. Walker shot and killer a 14-year-old girl in 2022. Our office is seeking the death penalty in this case. The penalty phase is slated to begin on Thursday.

❗No Bond for Woman Accused of Ramming Man with Truck❗ Armani Bellamy is accused of hitting the victim with her truck off Interstate 75 near Morris Bridge Road this week. Our office argued to a judge that she is a danger to the community and will remain behind bars until trial.

Deveron Byrd faces a minimum of 50 years in prison (max of life) after he was found guilty of raping & kidnapping a woman, holding her hostage, & beating her. The victim bravely testified on the stand for hours to help our prosecutors deliver justice. Sentencing is July 14.

Jesse DeLarosa will be held behind bars until trial after our office filed a motion to keep him detained. DeLarosa was racing another vehicle on Interstate 75 when he caused a crash that killed the front seat passenger in his car. He was driving while his license was suspended.

State Attorney Suzy Lopez joined Tampa Police Department Chief Lee Bercaw as he updated the community about an officer who was shot in the line of duty today. Thankfully, the officer is expected to make a full recovery.

Our Gun Violence Unit secured a guilty verdict in this case, sending Daryl Bowman to prison for 38 years. He ambushed a man at his apartment complex and held him at gunpoint. When the two struggled, Bowman shot the victim 7 times and left him for dead.