FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Erin Maloney, Communications Director
Office of the State Attorney, 13th Judicial Circuit
(813) 557-3366 | Erin.Maloney@sao13th.com
TAMPA, Fla. (July 11, 2023) — Hillsborough County State Attorney Suzy Lopez and local law enforcement leaders are drawing attention to a dramatic rise in fentanyl-related arrests in Hillsborough County. In the last five years, the number of cases filed in Hillsborough County have risen by 1,300%. The number of cases filed in the 13th Judicial Circuit increased by 152% from 2021 to 2022 alone.
“Our law enforcement partners have been cracking down on the criminals who choose to deal fentanyl on the streets of Tampa Bay,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez. “Real people and real families are losing loved ones to this deadly poison. We stand with the victims and promise to relentlessly pursue every avenue we can to ensure drug dealers pay for their crimes.”
“As your Sheriff, it is my mission to ensure that this dangerous drug is taken off our streets and out of our community and that these careless suppliers face the consequences of their crimes,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Together, we can put an end to fentanyl’s fatal grip. If you know of anyone selling these illegal substances, please contact us immediately. You can also report and share information anonymously with Crime Stoppers or tip411.”
State Attorney Lopez spoke earlier this year in Tallahassee in support of harsher penalties for fentanyl traffickers. HB 1359 was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, which imposes additional penalties, including the possibility of a life sentence, for fentanyl-related crimes when the drugs are made to look like candy that targets children. If convicted, those who traffic in such substances face a 25-year minimum mandatory sentence.
The State Attorney’s Office has vigorously prosecuted fentanyl-related trafficking cases which resulted in lengthy prison sentences for those criminals. Beau Strawder was convicted of armed trafficking in fentanyl and sentenced to 40 years in prison for his crime. Strawder was found by deputies with fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, meth, and firearms on his person.
State Attorney Lopez leads a team of dedicated prosecutors and professional staff that are responsible for all criminal prosecutions in the 13th Judicial Circuit. The State Attorney’s Office is dedicated to keeping the public informed about the outcomes of major court cases to ensure transparency and accountability. We believe it is of utmost importance for the public to understand how our justice system operates in order to build trust. To learn more about the outcome of cases prosecuted in our office, you can follow us on social media:
- Twitter: @HillsboroughSAO, @SuzyLopezSA
- Instagram: @HillsboroughStateAttorney
- Facebook: @HillsboroughSAO
About the State Attorney’s Office
The State Attorney’s Office of the 13th Judicial circuit encompasses all of Hillsborough County, including the cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace, and Plant City. The office staff consists of approximately 320 dedicated public servants including 130 prosecutors, as well as investigators, victim advocates, and support staff. The office handles approximately 50,000 cases every year. To learn more about the organization or apply to become part of the team, visit www.sao13th.com.